Kilbane wants to cap fine season

Kevin Kilbane has revealed he would gladly part with his Republic of Ireland player-of-the-year award if it meant guaranteed qualification for next summer’s World Cup finals.

Unsurprisingly, personal accolades mean little in comparison to the greater good of the team, but there is no doubt the honour Kilbane received last month has ensured those dark days during his time at Sunderland are firmly in the past.