Blues and United could trip up

NOW, I appreciate that, despite a couple of wins in five days at Croke Park, many of you retain reservations about the ability of Steve Staunton to lead the Republic.

But if you really want to feel down try following the fortunes of England.

I have to keep reminding myself that it isn’t only the form of England’s star players that will determine how well their remaining clubs fare in the Champions League quarter-finals this week. Thank heavens the likes of Ronaldo, Drogba and Alonso are also around.