MORE than the luxury hotels, upmarket stores, eye-popping skyscrapers, top-of-the-range cars and crippling prices, perhaps the most dramatic measure of how much Russia has changed over the past 20 years is that Moscow is a tough place for an atheist like myself to be these days.

THEY already have some imposing statues in the capital of Russia but they may have to make way for one of a man from Tallaght after this minor miracle in Moscow.

ROBBIE KEANE will be hoping his experience of playing on an artificial pitch today will be a happier one than the last time he stepped out on astroturf.

Republic of Ireland captain Robbie Keane is targeting victory in Russia tomorrow night as he set his sights of a hat-trick of wins to secure Euro 2012 qualification.

Simon Cox is relishing the biggest game of his life as the Republic of Ireland prepare for their showdown with Russia in Moscow.

Republic of Ireland defender Darren O’Dea insists he would put his house on Robbie Keane to score in Russia if he is presented with the kind of chance he passed up against Slovakia.

Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni is ready to gamble once again on the fitness of Aiden McGeady in Russia despite the winger admitting he is not match-fit.

Nicolas Anelka put his own Luzhniki Stadium pain behind him to suggest that Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney would be welcome at Stamford Bridge.

Spartak Moscow are reeling from the loss of influential midfielder Alex ahead of tomorrow’s Champions League Group F clash with Chelsea at the Luzhniki Stadium.

The Russia camp have blasted England’s ’excuse making’ ahead of tomorrow’s crucial Euro 2008 qualifier on an artificial pitch in Moscow.

England’s mission to Moscow looks set to turn into a pitch battle.

Kenny Miller is definitely out of Celtic’s Champions League qualifier against Spartak Moscow at Parkhead tomorrow night.

Celtic 5 Hearts 0

Celtic’s mission to Moscow yielded a valuable draw and an away goal as they put themselves in a healthy position in the tricky Champions League qualifier.

Celtic goalkeeper Artur Boruc is out of the Champions League qualifier against Spartak Moscow in the Luzhniki stadium tomorrow night.

OLYMPIC bid rivals London and Paris are also going head to head for the right to host the 2007 Champions League final.

Olympic bid rivals London and Paris are also going head to head for the right to host the 2007 Champions League final.

FC Bayern München are on the verge of reaching the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League after their 3-0 victory over Spartak Moscow at the snowbound Luzhniki stadium.