Suspended Kenny still leading by example

KENNY CUNNINGHAM’S determination to travel with Ireland's football team to Switzerland for the critical European Championship tie came as no surprise.

Ireland's team captain cannot play in the game on Saturday in Basel because of the suspension he incurred after picking up two yellow cards in the course of the competition.

It seems a particularly harsh punishment for Cunningham to have to miss such a big match because of two minor infractions. But such are the rules and his second booking, in the last competitive match against Russia, was justified as he pulled down a Russian forward as he broke clear on goal.