Darren O’Dea was handed the task of keeping Russia’s dangermen at bay as the Republic of Ireland attempted to re-ignite their Euro 2012 campaign.

RUSSIA, Ireland’s next Group B opponents, will go into Tuesday’s clash in Moscow in confident mood after beating John Toshack’s Macedonia in Moscow last night.

SPAIN coach Luis Aragones felt his side were given a much tougher ride in their Euro 2008 opener against Russia than the final 4-1 scoreline suggested.

ENGLAND’S Euro 2008 hopes — and possibly Steve McClaren’s job — rest in the hands of Israel after Russia completed an astonishing comeback win at the Luzhniki Stadium last night.

CELTIC manager Gordon Strachan hailed his side for the way they handled a heavily-watered artificial pitch to claim an impressive Champions League draw at Spartak Moscow.