Ardiles: Argentina up for Ireland clash

FORMER Argentina star Ossie Ardiles believes tomorrow’s friendly with the Republic of Ireland at the Aviva Stadium has taken on added significance since the departure of national team boss Diego Maradona.

Ardiles admitted: “Sergio Batista takes temporary charge of the team and in my opinion he could be offered the post on a permanent basis if there are good results against Ireland and then another match next month at home against World Cup holders Spain.”

Along with Irish goalkeeping legends Packie Bonner and Pat Jennings, Ardiles was in Dublin yesterday to help launch ESPN’s coverage of English and Scottish Premier Division games this season.