I met a member of the medical profession for a coffee the other day, and as we chatted I felt I had to correct her on some of the clinical terminology on offer, to tidy up the doctor-speak, if you like.

True confession: your columnist had forgotten all about Ireland playing Germany until I stumbled across the post-match analysis on Friday night’s television.

TO my mind, sporting folklore has concerned itself too often with the underdog.

HUMAN slingshot Rory Delap strides into the room, a new World Cup football loaded in his oxter.