Hughton excited by 2006 draw

Chris Hughton was licking his lips at the mouth-watering prospect of the Republic of Ireland facing France in the World Cup 2006 qualifiers – even though he knows the European champions will be red-hot favourites to win the group.

Hughton, Ireland’s assistant manager, knows his team will have their work cut out to make it through Group Four, but from a professional point of view he cannot wait to tackle the French.