UN final sin titulo: a final in all but name.

THREE players are making their competitive debuts and two of Ireland’s most senior figures have battled with injury problems to make the cut, but Giovanni Trapattoni is still confident that Ireland can keep up the pressure on leaders Russia in European Championship Group B by winning against Macedonia at the Aviva Stadium tonight.

RANGERS striker El-Hadji Diouf has hit out at referee Calum Murray for his sending-off in the explosive Scottish Cup tie with Celtic earlier this month.

IN one of the most eye-catching transfer coups in the domestic game for many a season, First Division Longford Town have announced the signing of former Manchester United and Northern Ireland winger Keith Gillespie.

If Dublin and Cork are the two wealthiest county boards in the country, then is it just another coincidence that their football teams are sitting at the top of Division One?

LAURENT BLANC revealed that Yoann Gourcuff and Franck Ribery have held clear-the-air talks, as France continue the healing process after the trauma of last year’s World Cup.

GIOVANNI TRAPATTONI says that if the game against Macedonia was happening today, Richard Dunne would be able to play.

AT half-time on Sunday I was planning this article based on the theme of missed opportunities and bemoaning the lack of positivity from our tactics.

LAST YEAR’S winner Don’t Push It heads 74 remaining entries for the John Smith’s Grand National at Aintree on April 9.

MANCHESTER UNITED assistant manager Mike Phelan admits he remains ambitious to be a manager — but has no intention of quitting Old Trafford just yet.

THE Republic’s Under 17s will be desperate to avoid a Greek tragedy as they strive for the one qualifying place for May’s UEFA Championship finals this week in Alexandropolis.

ROBIN VAN PERSIE maintains Arsenal still hold the destiny of the Barclays Premier League crown in their own hands and can use the “real blow” of recent disappointments to focus fully on delivering the title.

MANCHESTER UNITED are the most hated company in Britain, according to an online survey of more than 1,000 people.

FABIO CAPELLO has defended his decision to send five key men back to their clubs ahead of England’s sell-out friendly with Ghana at Wembley tonight.

ALL those calling for change from Giovanni Trapattoni will have their demands answered tonight.

STEVEN GERRARD has revealed England manager Fabio Capello spoke to him regarding his change of captain, despite not informing Rio Ferdinand of the decision.

MANCHESTER UNITED manager Alex Ferguson intends to give Javier Hernandez a proper rest this summer after the Mexican’s incredible efforts for the club this season.

CARLO ANCELOTTI yesterday refused to contemplate the prospect of Chelsea’s Barclays Premier League clash with Newcastle being his final home game at the club.

ALEX FERGUSON has received the backing of rival Premier League bosses Arsene Wenger and Carlo Ancelotti after being hit with another FA improper conduct charge.