Batista’s bid to fill Maradona’s boots begins

LIKE a glitzy film premiere where the lead fails to show, Diego Maradona’s absence from the Aviva Stadium tonight has stripped the event of some of its star quality.

On the pitch, however, the outspoken legend’s departure as Argentina manager may just make proceedings somewhat spicier.

For interim boss Sergio Batista, it represents the first of two auditions for the hotseat and yesterday at Carton House he appeared to be more than comfortable in his surroundings as he spoke about his 2014 project.