The Kremlin has denounced Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson's statement comparing the World Cup in Russia to the Olympics hosted by Nazi Germany as "utterly disgusting".

Irish eyes remain firmly focused on continuing preparations for the upcoming UEFA European Championships, with FAI chief executive, John Delaney, due to visit the squad’s pre-tournament training base of Montecatini in Italy tomorrow.

FORMER Ireland coach Eddie O’Sullivan admits he is “waiting for the phone to ring” in his bid to return to rugby management.

Another act in a great summer of sport has begun and if Giovanni Trapattoni’s team can capture our affections like Jack Charleton’s panel did all of those years ago, then the mood of the nation will surely lift.

NORTHAMPTON have dropped winger Chris Ashton amid rumours of a training ground row with director of rugby Jim Mallinder.

THE country needs a fillip but who would have thought it would come from cricket. Hats off to an Irish team that yesterday overcame England in one of the greatest one-day innings ever seen.

STEVE BRUCE has revealed he attempted to persuade David Beckham to join Sunderland on loan last season.

MANCHESTER UNITED defender Nemanja Vidic was forced to appeal to Serbia fans for calm as they rioted during his side’s embarrassing 1-0 friendly defeat by New Zealand in Klagenfurt on Saturday night.

ARGENTINA coach Diego Maradona is keen to sign a new contract – so long as he is allowed to retain his entire backroom staff.

NELSON Mandela’s grandchildren were held up by gunmen following the South African leader’s 92nd birthday party, it emerged yesterday.

RYAN GIGGS maintains he is still hungry for success - and refuses to accept Chelsea have left Manchester United behind in English football’s power battle.

FAI chief executive John Delaney identified Croke Park as the Association’s first choice alternative venue while Lansdowne Road is being redeveloped.

RUSSIA have confirmed Guus Hiddink will take over as their national coach after the World Cup.

Jonah Lomu could feature for one of Ireland’s provinces in his bid to return to full fitness.

BARCELONA last night agreed to terminate the contract of Brazilian superstar Rivaldo, sparking a chase for his signature.

THE tradition of national anthems being played before international matches is under threat after FIFA president Sepp Blatter suggested they could be banned to avert crowd trouble.

HARRY REDKNAPP and Clive Woodward yesterday spoke out in a bid to end continued speculation surrounding their relationship.

BOLTON chairman Phil Gartside has claimed he has received a fax from Rivaldo stating the Brazilian legend wants to complete a move to the Reebok Stadium.