Giovanni Trapattoni last night admitted he had overlooked Wes Hoolahan’s claims for an Irish jersey in the past but, in the next breath, appeared to play down the player’s chances of featuring in next month’s World Cup qualifier in Sweden.

Ireland U21 3 Holland U21 0

Chelsea are set to back both a wage increase cap and a compromise financial fair play deal at today’s showdown meeting of all 20 Premier League chairmen.

David Beckham has a knack for keeping his name in the news and his face — and well-sculpted body — in front of the cameras.

This afternoon’s U21 friendly against Holland at Tallaght Stadium (1pm) offers new beginnings for many Irish youngsters and Sean McGinty appreciates the chance presented to him by Noel King.

Robin van Persie has claimed he is working with one of the best coaches in the world at Manchester United — but he’s not talking about Alex Ferguson.

Robbie Brady says his circle with boyhood team-mate Jeff Hendrick will be complete tomorrow night should the pair feature for Ireland against Greece.

GAA rivalry has long pitted parish against parish and turned county against county, but it was impossible to distinguish friend from foe at the funeral of Dublin football hero Kevin Heffernan.

Thieves stole a top-of-the- range 4x4 owned by Manchester United star Paul Scholes as he defrosted the windscreen, sources have confirmed.

Alex Ferguson’s famous red colours were carried to a ready success at Kempton by the Charlie Hills-trained Sand Boy.

Frank Stapleton believes Robbie Keane can still contribute to Ireland’s World Cup campaign, even if Giovanni Trapattoni decides the LA Galaxy man is no longer an automatic starter in the team.

Manchester City have held talks with Serie A giants AC Milan and Juventus over the possible sale of Mario Balotelli, according to sources close to the club.

Manchester United have become the first sports team in the world to be valued at more than $3 billion (€2.22 billion).

Family, friends, and sporting stars of past and present turned out for the removal of Gaelic football legend Kevin Heffernan in Dublin last night.

Manchester United 4 Fulham 1

Stoke City 0 Manchester City 1

FA Cup Fourth Round: Man Utd v Fulham

David Moyes is hoping his 500th match in charge of Everton will take him a step closer to his first major piece of silverware.

Favourite line on Ballboygate?