Irish players are homesick

Even though the Irish football team are confident about today's World Cup knockout game with Spain, some of Mick McCarthy's camp feel homesick.

The Republic hope to go for a place in the final eight of the teams. Sunderland midfielder Jason McAteer insists that the players are focused but says that they are missing home a little.

Some would like to see their children.

This could affect their play today as they take on World Cup favourites Spain.

Nonetheless, Mick McCarthy is adamant that his team want to win the game and progress even further in the competition.

He says they are not just content to sit back now.