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Kenny Fills A Hole
Sheffield United goalkeeper Paddy Kenny has been called up by Republic of Ireland manager Brian Kerr; as the Republic look to take on the World Champions, Brazil, at Lansdowne Road. Kenny, who qualifies via both his Irish born parents, declared for Ireland in late 2002.
Stadium Fiasco Solved
The Republic of Ireland’s stadium woes may finally come to an end, after the government agreed to a package committing 165 million euros towards the 250 million euros that needs to be raised to build a new national stadium. The FAI and the IRFU will make up the shortfall in money.
Ireland's French Lessons
The Republic of Ireland have been handed a tough route to the World Cup in Germany, with 1998 champions France being one of the hurdles Brian Kerr’s team will need to negotiate. Euro 2004 qualifying conquerors Switzerland, Israel, Cyprus and the Faroe Islands make up the rest of Group 4.
Reid Stands Out
The Republic of Ireland accomplished their mission, beating Canada 3-0, but perhaps more encouraging was the arrival onto the international stage of Andy Reid. Maybe even unknown to some Irish fans before the game, all left talking about the exciting emergence of this youngster.
Reid Handed Debut
Andy Reid of Nottingham Forest will make his debut for the Republic of Ireland tonight, as Graham Kavanagh returns to the Irish team after a lengthy absense. John Thompson may also make his bow tonight, in an experimental Ireland outfit selected by Brian Kerr.
Miller & Reid Earn Call
Celtic star Liam Miller and Nottingham Forest maestro Andy Reid have earned call-ups to the full Ireland squad to play Canada on Tuesday November 18. The pair has graduated from the under 21 side and Brian Kerr now feels they can go on to make a name for themselves at the top level.
No Party Next Summer
Ireland failed to make Euro 2004 on a very disappointing note, after losing 2-0 away in Switzerland when only a win would do. The Republic went a goal down after only five minutes, and never really looked in control of a game that dictated their fate, failing to quality for another major tournament.
Big Match Preview: Switzerland v Ireland
The Republic of Ireland go into Saturday’s vital qualifying game in the knowledge that only a win will leave them in control of their own destiny, anything less would rely on Georgia taking points from Russia – an unlikely scenario.
Kavanagh Call Up
Cardiff City captain, Graham Kavanagh, has been named in the Ireland squad that will square off against Switzerland on October 11. The Bluebirds midfielder was last capped by his country four years ago, but wins a place in the squad following a string of outstanding performances.
Ireland Step Up A Gear
Despite not winning the football match, Ireland put to rest any doubts that their ‘honeymoon form’ under Brian Kerr had been just that. After going ahead through a David Connolly goal, Turkey came back to lead the game, before Dunne squared the game in stoppage time, in an entertaining tie.
Big Match Preview: Ireland v Turkey
Following a disappointed draw at home to Russia on Saturday, those who narrowly missed out on selection for the Euro 2004 qualifier will look to impose themselves on Brian Kerr’s mind, as Ireland face up to the sturdy challengers from Turkey on Tuesday evening.
Ireland Go The Hard Way
The Republic of Ireland look like making tough work of qualifying for Euro 2004, if they make it – with a victory needed away against the Swiss now looking likely to seal a play-off place. Kerr’s men only managed a 1-1 with Russia at Lansdowne Road on Saturday, when all 3 points were desired.
How Can Ireland Qualify?
With not long left until the very important game, the Republic of Ireland v Russia – it may be worth speculating on what sort of score would leave Ireland where in the group. It is possible to secure a play-off spot today, but only with the right result.
Under 21s Claim Victory
The Irish Under 21 side scored two goals in the second half to finally win their first game of the qualifying stage. Of course, Ireland did beat Albania but had the result reversed after fielding the banned Miller. The senior team will want to follow this example on Saturday afternoon.
Big Match Preview: Republic of Ireland v Russia
Ireland go into tomorrow’s game against Russia knowing that a victory would put them in good shape to qualify for Euro 2004, but a loss would leave them relying on results elsewhere. This is without question the most important game of Brian Kerr’s short career as Irish manager.
Sadlier Forced To Quit
Millwall and Republic of Ireland international striker, Richard Sadlier, has been forced to retire from football due to an ongoing injury problem. Sadlier made his only appearance for the Republic of Ireland against Russia in February 2002 as a substitute. He retires at the age of 24.
Carsley Fit For Battle
Everton and Republic of Ireland midfielder, Lee Carsley, successfully came through a reserve match for his club last night. After playing 60 minutes of the game, it was deemed that his knee injury posed no further problem and has been made available for selection against Russia on Saturday.
Kilbane In Everton Switch
Republic of Ireland international left midfielder, Kevin Kilbane, looks set to complete a move to Everton from Sunderland before the transfer window closes today. Up until the Australia game, Kilbane had started 17 consecutive games for Ireland.
UEFA Move The Goalposts
The qualifying procedure for European Championships and World Cups will be altered, and the amount of friendlies significantly reduced under new UEFA plans. Many club managers had been reluctant in letting key players go on international duty in recent years; the changes are felt to be necessary.
Irishmen In Euro Draw
A number of Irish players play for teams involved in the recent European Cup draw, a sign of improving times in Irish football. John O`Shea and Damien Duff will take part in the Champions League, while many more compete in the UEFA Cup.