Platini has happy memories of playing against Ireland

THE greatest player to wear the famous royal blue shirt of France made no attempt to hide his pleasure at thoughts of returning to Ireland, if only as a spectator, for World Cup action.

"I remember well my games against Ireland," smiled Michel Platini. "I played in the 1982 qualifiers ... against my friends Brady, Stapleton, Giles. Ah yes, what memories!"

Platini the great: a player of inordinate gifts, of grace and subtlety, slight of frame but hugely endowed with manly qualities of physical and moral courage. He was once the brightest football star in the world firmament. Now he is well set on a path to the top in another capacity already vice president of the French FA, he is also executive committee member of UEFA and FIFA.