Scotland scrum-half Chris Cusiter admits the Calcutta Cup clash with England next month will be a huge test for Frank Hadden’s struggling side.

JAMES MILNER has been included in Aston Villa’s squad for the Guadiana Cup in Portugal this weekend after holding “amicable” talks with club manager Martin O’Neill.

Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier has thrown his weight behind the case for a winter break as Premier League chairmen meet to consider the issue.

Jonah Lomu’s provincial coach expects the winger to play some part in this season’s Air New Zealand Cup.

Mexico have climbed to fifth in the FIFA world rankings in the wake of their Gold Cup triumph.

Andres Iniesta insists Spain’s Euro 2008 final victory over Germany will give them no psychological advantage when the sides meet in the last four of the World Cup.

FIFA have tried to mount a damage-limitation exercise after shocking new allegations of World Cup bid corruption.

The Republic of Ireland have made one last stand to play in next year’s World Cup finals by asking FIFA to allow them in as a 33rd nation following their controversial play-off defeat to France.

THE Genesis chief delivered a damning indictment of the stewardship of the FAI in one throwaway sentence last night when he suggested that minutes of one of their World Cup meetings had shown that more time had been spent in discussing the accreditation arrangements and organising complimentary tickets than in dealing with preparations for the World Cup.

AFTER an August of seemingly never-ending series of setbacks with injury and poor on-field form, Ireland coach Eddie O’Sullivan could at least afford to smile a little yesterday.

‘Best Team in Europe’ proudly proclaimed Irish banners at Hamilton, revelling in England’s first-round exit from the World Cup. 

Steve Staunton has spoken of his determination to repeat the success he enjoyed as a player for the Republic of Ireland after taking over as manager.

Patience and self-belief were the virtues that accounted for Italy and will stand Ireland in good stead for the World Cup.

Ireland all-rounder Kevin O’Brien says the younger members of the squad are ready to make the “step up” to the big stage in the ICC World Twenty20 in India.

ASTON VILLA defender Richard Dunne admits tonight’s Carling Cup semi-final first leg against Blackburn at Ewood Park is the biggest club game of his career.

Chelsea manager, Antonio Conte, can postpone a renewal of his rivalry with Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United by delivering Chelesa into the Carabao Cup final.

David McGoldrick is a doubt for the Republic of Ireland's World Cup qualifier against Austria on Sunday as he awaits the results of a scan on a knee problem.

Ireland secured a fine three-wicket victory over Afghanistan in their World Cup warm-up match at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.