Socceroos captain Lucas Neill says Australia will draw inspiration from Brad Jones’ son’s battle with leukaemia when they take on Germany in their World Cup opener on Sunday.

Denmark 0 Australia 1

Former Chelsea manager Ruud Gullit has said he would consider taking up the role as Australia coach when Pim Verbeek leaves the post after the World Cup finals in South Africa.

Scott McDonald was one of three players axed from Australia’s World Cup squad today.

Australia coach Pim Verbeek is happy to concede he is taking a calculated risk on Harry Kewell's fitness ahead of the World Cup finals, but believes the striker's qualities ensure it is worth it.

REPUBLIC of Ireland international defender Sean St Ledger has joined Middlesbrough from Preston on a three-month loan deal with a view to a permanent move in January.

OH dear. Yes, it was only a friendly. And yes, the first round of the Premier League is only days away but there is something about a 3-0 defeat that just sets those alarm bells ringing.

IRISH football fans who complain about the renaming of Lansdowne Road should perhaps be grateful that they don’t have to get behind a team called the Aviva Green Boys.

The Boys in Green can expect a tough test in tomorrow's friendly at Thomond Park, according to Australia manager Pim Verbeek.

Australia manager Pim Verbeek has said that that the door is still open for Mark Viduka to return to the international set-up.

Australia manager Pim Verbeek has said that he expects Ireland to qualify for the World Cup.

AUSTRALIA coach Pim Verbeek continues to test out his options ahead of next year’s World Cup after naming three newcomers and recalling Ante Covic and Patrick Kisnorbo to the squad for the friendly against the Republic of Ireland on August 12 at Thomond Park in Limerick.

Former Rangers and Newcastle defender Craig Moore has been diagnosed with testicular cancer.

Newcastle striker Mark Viduka is set to miss out on Australia’s World Cup qualifiers over the summer because of an Achilles problem.

Several Barclays Premier League players could be involved in a club-versus-country row after Australia named them in a provisional squad for the World Cup qualifier in China on March 26 which falls between two league fixtures.

Former South Korea coach Pim Verbeek has been unveiled as the new coach of Australia.

Dutchman Pim Verbeek has been named South Korea coach after Dick Advocaat announced his intention to step down from the post.