The quickest glance at Cyrus Christie’s social media feed tells you that the Ireland defender has athletic interests outside his own discipline.

Martin O'Neill has insisted tonight’s Stateside friendly with Mexico can be a springboard for some of Ireland's up and comers.

Martin O’Neill is an avid consumer, a voracious reader. Forever aware and always interested in the topics of the day. At Ireland training on Tuesday afternoon, he was heard enquiring on the rolling updates of Tiger Woods’ latest sorry episode.

In the depths of New Jersey commuter country, Tuesday morning was all about shaking off cobwebs.

Martin O'Neill revealed that Bournemouth's Harry Arter, who sat out his club's final game of the Premier League season, will join up with the squad on the other side of the Atlantic.

Ireland’s friendly against Mexico might be small beer compared to the looming World Cup qualifier against Austria, but the game in the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Thursday is all set to be a red-letter occasion for James McClean.

His season will end either in New York or Wembley but for this dilemma it’s natural for Eunan O’Kane to put club ahead of country.

He said: "We need to fix many things in Argentinian football, but I prefer to do this from inside and not criticise from outside."

Michael J. Fox channelled the spirit of Back to the Future’s Marty when he joined Coldplay on stage for a performance of Johnny B. Goode.

Taylor Swift proved she was a true all-American girl as she honoured the US women’s football team by bringing them on stage during a concert.

Republic of Ireland goalkeeper David Forde has signed a new three-year contract with Milwall FC.

Wes Hoolahan admits the Republic of Ireland’s end-of-season campaign has helped soothe the pain of Norwich’s relegation from the Barclays Premier League.

Martin O’Neill insisted yesterday he would not feel left down if Roy Keane were to return to club football.

Richard Keogh has warned the World Cup favourites to write off Portugal at their peril after seeing them at their destructive best.

Portugal boss Paulo Bento was a happy man after seeing Cristiano Ronaldo safely negotiate his way through his return from injury ahead of the World Cup finals.

Stephen Ireland could yet be added to the Republic of Ireland squad for their end-of-season friendlies.

Bruno Mars and the Red Hot Chili Peppers rocked the Super Bowl XLVIII Half Time Show this morning.

Seattle Seahawks 43 Denver Broncos 8

The Seattle Seahawks produced one of the most dominant performances in Super Bowl history as Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos were neutralised in a 43-8 humbling.

Screened in over 200 countries, Super Bowl will be lapped up by well over 100 million Americans for whom it has become as symbolic of their country as Apple Pie.

Queen Latifah will perform 'America the Beautiful' at the Super Bowl.

Jay-Z is signing a $20m deal with Samsung.

Next February, the first cold-weather outdoor Super Bowl will take place in New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium.

Liverpool's search for a new manager is due to end this week with an announcement expected on Friday.

THE Pittsburgh Steelers will be hoping star quarterback Ben Roethlisberger can survive 60 minutes of football tomorrow as the NFL wild card round gets going this weekend.

ROONEY MARA will become a big screen star on both sides of the Atlantic this weekend, having accepted the poisoned chalice that is Lisbeth Salander, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.

IN SPITE of the lockout cloud which overshadowed the off-season, the NFL machine cranks into gear this weekend, a little creaky but right on schedule.