Montenegro boss Zoran Filipovic has backed the Republic of Ireland to emerge from the play-offs to reach the World Cup finals in South Africa.

Marco Tardelli is backing the Republic of Ireland to push France all the way as they attempt to resurrect their World Cup dreams in Paris.

Italy 0 Holland 0

Benfica 5 Everton 0

Republic of Ireland defender Richard Dunne is coming to terms with being “cheated” out of a place in next summer’s World Cup finals.

Nelson Piquet Snr is threatening to take Flavio Briatore to court in the hope of extricating his son from the deal in place with the disgraced Renault team boss.

Newly-promoted Burnley will carry the fight to Manchester United next season despite knowing the town’s entire population could fit into Old Trafford with a few seats to spare.

Faroe Islands 0 France 1

Susan Boyle will be gearing up for the second 'Britain’s Got Talent' live tour gig today after wowing fans at the opening show.

Leitrim 0-10 Longford 0-13

Newcastle 1 Sheffield Wednesday 0

Australia 25 South Africa 32

Brian O’Driscoll admits “time is running out” as Ireland seek to halt the alarming slump in form that is threatening to undermine their World Cup.

Ireland 32 Namibia 17

Bourgoin 24 Ulster 17

Republic of Ireland midfielder Stephen Hunt has admitted his team have no excuses for their performance against Cyprus on Wednesday night which is likely to cost boss Steve Staunton his job.

Steve Staunton vowed to resist renewed calls for him to quit after the Ireland’s Euro 2008 qualifying campaign petered out in an embarrassing Croke Park draw with Cyprus.

Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce breathed a huge sigh of relief after seeing his side emerge from their slump to hold Barclays Premier League leaders Arsenal to a 1-1 draw.

Munster 1-21 Leinster 1-13

Fulham 4 South China 1