Stephen Ireland has revealed he never enjoyed playing for the Republic of Ireland and is adamant he will feel no sense of regret should they qualify for the World Cup without him.

There was plenty of sympathy for the Republic of Ireland in the French media this morning after the controversial extra-time goal that denied them a place in next summer’s World Cup finals.

Graeme McDowell (pictured) insists the debate over which country to represent at the Olympics will not stop him from playing in the World Cup.

SLOVAKIA striker Erik Jendrisek hopes his side maintain their focus for the whole game tomorrow when they face Paraguay in Bloemfontein.

MISSING the call to spot Thierry Henry’s handball made referee Martin Hansson cry and will likely prevent the Swedish referee taking charge of a match at this World Cup.

GIOVANNI TRAPATTONI’S Republic of Ireland will entertain World Cup finalists Algeria and Paraguay in a pair of international friendlies at the end of May at Dublin’s RDS.

AS IRISH eyes turn to France for the Rugby World Cup, one Irish rugby fan will be taking on his very own Tour de France in the hope of raising thousands of euro for charity.

GERMAN sporting goods firm Adidas reported a better-than-forecast 24% rise in second-quarter net profit on Wednesday on the back of a surge in sales spurred by the soccer World Cup.

The Republic of Ireland’s World Cup qualifier against Wales in March at the Aviva Stadium is officially sold out.

Here’s a briefing on some of the stories and issues highlighted on irishexaminer.com today.

Ireland will wear its updated jersey just 12 times before new kit suppliers Canterbury provide a re-design ahead of the 2015 World Cup.

Paul O’Connell has signalled his ambition to bow out of professional rugby in style — by leading Ireland to victory in next year’s World Cup.

Returning Australia winger Lote Tuqiri believes a good performance against in-form South Africa on Saturday at Newlands would bode well for Australia’s World Cup campaign.

Wales 34 Fiji 38

Mario Melchiot has set his sights on producing an extra special season for Birmingham to ensure he is part of Holland’s plans for the 2006 World Cup.

Republic of Ireland boss Brian Kerr has warned England, Wales and Northern Ireland not to under-estimate Poland when the World Cup qualifying campaign gets under way.

Eddie O’Sullivan says he has based the selection of the team to play Romania in Ireland’s opening game of Rugby World Cup 2003 on experience.