ANOTHER big European night in Tallaght this evening, and all at Shamrock Rovers will be hoping it’s not the last of an already pulsating season for the club beyond the relative comfort zone of the League of Ireland.

THEY both support Manchester United and list Roger Federer as their sporting idol — but twin brothers Conor and David Harte also have plenty of less superficial things in common.

MANCHESTER UNITED will not be holding a Spanish inquisition over David de Gea’s error-strewn start to life in England but the youngster’s difficult introduction to the Premier League will prompt questions from concerned supporters and optimism from bloodthirsty rivals keen to profit from perceived vulnerability.

BLACKBURN manager Steve Kean pleaded guilty to drink-driving yesterday but claimed his drink was spiked.

CHELSEA coach Andre Villas-Boas has vowed to make his players more creative and will encourage them to think for themselves during matches.

DAVID DE GEA was spared the ignominy of costing his side victory as Manchester United’s other new signing, Ashley Young, set up the winner but red faces were accompanied by a worrying injury bulletin for United manager Alex Ferguson.

HOW much would you pay to hear Tony Britten’s Champions League anthem fill the evening air at your football club?

BEFORE we get to what he’ll be saying at today’s FAI AGM, it’s worth starting with where they’re having that annual meeting because it’s something of a statement too.

SUNDERLAND manager Steve Bruce believes John O’Shea’s “staggering” versatility will be a huge asset to Sunderland this season.

THE opening games of last year’s Premier League top four will be televised after the first batch of fixtures to be broadcast in the 2011/12 campaign was revealed yesterday.

BRAZILIAN giants Corinthians have tabled an offer of €40 million for Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez.

ALEX FERGUSON has claimed that Samir Nasri has agreed to leave Arsenal — but not to join Manchester United.

THE Beckhams have added to their roll-call of exotically named children with latest addition Harper Seven.

IF CHELSEA fans, just a week ago, sat down to compile the arguments for and against their team winning the Premier League title in 2012, they would have found it a very lopsided list as they weighed up their chances.

DARREN FLETCHER put his own health at risk in order to help the Manchester United cause before finally admitting defeat yesterday.

MANCHESTER CITY manager Roberto Mancini has urged his players to “stay strong” following their first Premier League defeat of the season.

COLEEN ROONEY was subjected to a £5,000 (€5,900) blackmail plot involving hundreds of personal family photos on her stolen camera, a court has heard.

IN the short-term, Manchester United will continue to do what they do but the last few weeks have raised plenty of questions about the future, and even Alex Ferguson’s legacy.

WOLVES manager Mick McCarthy has hailed the return of Matt Jarvis to top form but questioned why there has been such a big inquest into the winger’s dip in standards.

ALEX FERGUSON appeared to take a dig at his old captain Roy Keane for criticising his Manchester United squad.