Gary Neville has set himself a two-week deadline in his race against the clock to be fit for the World Cup.

David Beckham is sporting a new look as he continues his comeback programme in his bid to be fit to lead England’s challenge for World Cup glory this summer.

England captain David Beckham today urged his team-mates to focus solely on Wednesday’s crucial World Cup qualifier with Albania.

Republic of Ireland defender Kenny Cunningham admits the side will have no excuses if they throw away their precious three-point Group Two lead and blow their World Cup 2002 qualification bid.

Yossi Benayoun is convinced West Ham will be in the hunt for trophies again next season and he backed the Hammers to be a force in Europe after a stunning first season at Upton Park.

England assistant coach Tord Grip “hopes and thinks” Michael Owen will be fit for the World Cup and claims “it is not a big worry” if the striker only plays one more game for Newcastle this season.

Phil Mickelson equalled a Ryder Cup record at Celtic Manor today – but not one he wanted.

Scotland will hope to have forwards Jonny Gray and Ross Ford in their team to face Australia in the World Cup quarter-final after confirming they are appealing the three week ban handed to the pair.

The Republic of Ireland has fallen eight spots to 36th in the latest FIFA rankings.

COLIN MONTGOMERIE has decided that he is fit enough to play in this week's Linde German Masters.

WORLD CUP winner Ossie Ardiles is one of three new faces on the RTÉ Sport team for their extensive coverage of this summer’s tournament in South Africa.

REFEREE Martin Hansson broke his silence yesterday by insisting “life must go on” after his blunder contributed to the Republic of Ireland’s World Cup exit.

The small market town of Marcoussis used to supply Paris with tomatoes and strawberries. Today, it will deliver to the French capital an Irish women’s rugby team intent on making history.

England World Cup winner Neil Back has admitted his shock at being axed from the squad for the RBS 6 Nations Championship opener against Italy – but has vowed to win back his international place.

Mick McCarthy says he should have quit as manager of the Republic of Ireland immediately after their World Cup exit.

Sven-Goran Eriksson hopes his players show the spirit of Munich when England play Argentina in Friday's World Cup clash.

ROY KEANE’S latest explosion was inevitable because he is a consummate professional, claims a leading psychologist.

Darren Clarke edged a little closer to an automatic place on the European Ryder Cup team at the weekend despite a disappointing final round in the Scottish Open.

Star striker Lomana LuaLua has told managerless Portsmouth they could have to do without him again for up to six games during the African Nations Cup next month.