MUCH has changed around these parts since Raio Piiroja and Robbie Keane first met as young men a decade ago but not enough to make the Estonian captain forget his place at the world football table.

IF the sight of FAI chief executive John Delaney grinning after his team were drawn to face Estonia in the Euro 2012 qualifying play-off matches next month told its own story, the feeling was definitely mutual for his Estonian counterpart.

After two qualifying defeats in a week, Northern Ireland’s players accept their Euro 2012 dreams are over, but have defended under-pressure manager Nigel Worthington.

Northern Ireland manager Nigel Worthington is prepared to take any flak that comes his way in the wake of last night's 4-1 humbling against Estonia.

NEWCASTLE striker Obafemi Martins paid a sizeable chunk off his £10 million (€14.8m) transfer fee to fire his side into the UEFA Cup group stages last night.

NEWCASTLE boss Glenn Roeder will not allow the soap opera of life at St James’ Park to distract him from his mission.

NEWCASTLE boss Glenn Roeder has promised that £10million striker Obafemi Martins will rediscover his goal touch.

Latvia’s faint hopes of securing a spot in the play-offs for the World Cup finals were virtually extinguished as they slipped to a narrow Group 3 defeat against Estonia in Tallinn.