President Michael D Higgins has called on the Ireland team to do what is necessary in Euro 2012 as they open their championship bid against Croatia.

Holland coach Bert van Marwijk wants to concentrate on football matters after claims of racism against some of his players overshadowed his team’s build up to their Euro 2012 opener against Denmark.

NETHERLANDS coach Bert van Marwijk and captain Mark van Bommel last night refused to dwell on the racist abuse allegedly suffered by black members of the squad during a training session in Krakow.