Players want France clash at Croker

SENIOR members of the Ireland squad want to play next year's World Cup qualifier against France at Croke Park.

The squad feel the French wouldn't relish a World Cup qualifier watched by 80,000 fans at GAA headquarters.

With Lansdowne Road due to close in 2006 for at least two and a half years, a venue for soccer and rugby games will have to be found and the players are keen to keep the games on home soil.

Clare County Board delegates this week voted unanimously to request GAA chiefs to open up Croke Park to soccer and rugby. Delegate and former Board chairman Brendan Vaughan began the discussion by suggesting that the stadium should host next September's meeting with the French.