Young, gifted and green

TODAY attention turns towards next summer’s European Championships and Ireland’s first presence at a major tournament for ten years.

But, with Giovanni Trapattoni’s team backboned by a core of ageing players, it’s only natural that an eye should be cast upon their likely successors for the campaigns ahead.

Richard Dunne and Damien Duff will both be in their 34th year by the time the qualification quest for Brazil kicks off in the autumn of next year, with record goalscorer Robbie Keane only a year behind.