He may have been outshone by clubmate David McGoldrick in Ireland’s 4-1 friendly win over the USA last week but Daryl Murphy remains the star Irishman at Ipswich after his goal earned Mick McCarthy’s men a 2-2 draw at Bournemouth.

Celtic 3 Dundee Utd 1

Celtic’s new signing Teemu Pukki grabbed a debut goal as the Hoops overcame Hearts 3-1 in their Scottish Premiership clash at Tynecastle on Saturday.

Champions Shamrock Rovers moved into third place in the Airtricity Premier Division and are now just four points behind leaders Sligo Rovers with a fully deserved victory over bottom-of-the-table UCD at the Belfield Bowl last night.

KEEP an extra sharp eye on the breakdown this Sunday when Nigel Owens gets things underway at Firhill.

Rangers manager Walter Smith has revealed Steven Whittaker may need an operation.

SOME NEW faces ought to be on show when eircom League leaders St Patrick’s Athletic travel to the RSC to play second from bottom Waterford United in the Premier Division tonight.

NEWPORT Gwent Dragons have signed former Wales captain Colin Charvis on a one-year deal.

CELTIC manager Martin O'Neill was still adamant that the Bank of Scotland Premier League title was not in the bag despite opening up a 16-point lead over Rangers.

Celtic midfielder Neil Lennon today ruled out playing for Northern Ireland ever again but did confess that he misses international football.

Rangers manager Alex McLeish was keeping his fingers crossed that Peter Lovenkrands was not badly injured after the matchwinner was carried off on a stretcher at Partick Thistle today.

Dundee manager Jim Duffy believes his side will bounce back from their bad run and expects the return of his injured players to be the catalyst for a Dens Park revival.

The Old Firm are poised for another Hampden Park showdown in February if Celtic can defeat Hibernian in the CIS Insurance Cup quarter-final in a fortnight.

Alan Thompson is Celtic’s main concern ahead of tomorrow’s Bank of Scotland Premier League game at home to Partick Thistle.

Kilmarnock 0 Rangers 1

Steve Guppy is backing Didier Agathe to scare the living daylights out of the FC Basle defence tonight.

CELTIC manager Martin O’Neill yesterday denied the financial consequences of missing out on a place in the money-spinning Champions League group stages were weighing heavy on his mind.

CELTIC manager Martin O’Neill has reiterated his support for midfielder Neil Lennon after he was forced to retire from international football.