Roy Keane has been ruled out of the second leg of the World Cup play-off against Iran which will be played in Teheran on Thursday.

The first leg of the Asian Group World Cup play-off gets under way later today, when Iran meet the United Arab Emirates in Tehran.

Irish manager Mick McCarthy will contact Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson later today to discuss Roy Keane’s knee injury.

Portugal's Paulo Sousa is to have more tests on the thigh injury sustained in the World Cup warm-up game against China.

Ireland's World Cup woes are going from bad to worse as first McAteer, and now Kevin Kilbane, have to be treated for injuries.

Mick McCarthy has rejoined the Irish football squad in time for Saturday's World Cup qualifier in Cyprus.

England's hopes of World Cup qualification were handed a major boost when group nine leaders Germany were held to a 2-2 draw in Helsinki.

The FAI and Gardai have drawn up a security plan to segregate Irish and Portuguese supporters at the North Terrace end of Lansdowne Road for Saturday's World Cup qualifier.

Roy Keane is now rated as very doubtful for Ireland's crucial forthcoming World Cup qualifier against the Dutch.

Brazil international Gilberto has signed a contract extension to keep him at Arsenal until 2009.

Darren Clarke, an outstanding back-row forward at Royal School, Dungannon, believes his native Ulster face a massive challenge against Leinster in Saturday’s Heineken Cup final.

“We are ready to bring the world to us, to share in our heritage and create a tournament … full of timeless memories for all.”

THE IRFU have reinstated Mike McGurn as fitness coach to the Irish team with immediate effect following a stand-off of almost four months.

The new Borders professional team have called a press conference at Gala RFC for 8pm tonight where they are expected to unveil Gregor Townsend as their latest signing.

It does not seem 15 years ago that a young Padraig Harrington, in only his second full season as a professional, teamed up with Paul McGinley at Kiawah Island and gave Ireland their first victory in golf’s World Cup since 1958.

Saudi Arabia coach Nasser Al Johar will be spared the axe even if he fails to deliver a royal command performance and guide them into the second round of the World Cup.

European Order of Merit leader Paul Casey has been named September’s European Tour Golfer of the Month after winning the HSBC World Match Play Championship and playing a starring role in the Ryder Cup.