Irish Footballers

The Republic of Ireland will be aiming to put last month’s 3-0 defeat to Australia behind them as they return to World Cup qualifying on Saturday. Ireland go into the game as one of three unbeaten sides – Italy and Bulgaria being the other two. Cyprus appear off the pace having collected just five points from six games but will be hoping a late push could get them back into the race for South Africa 2010.

While Ireland had a shocker in August, Cyprus suffered a humiliating 6-1 defeat at the hands of Cyprus meaning both teams go into the game on the back of heavy losses.

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Having recently completed his transfer from Sunderland to Hull City, defender Paul McShane has been added to the Republic of Ireland squad ahead of Saturday’s World Cup qualifier in Cyprus.

The move comes following the withdrawal through injury of Kevin Foley and the lingering doubts over an injury Sean St Ledger has struggled to overcome.

The Republic of Ireland have slipped one place in FIFA’s latest list of World rankings. Giovannu Trapattoni’s side now sit 38th in the World list – often derided but often used to at least influence seedings for draws made by both FIFA and UEFA.

Ireland’s World Cup qualifying opponents Italy have risen to joint fourth with Bulgaria up four to nineteenth. Cyprus are 72nd in the list with Montenegro 89th and Georgia 112th.

Next week’s friendly opponents South Africa are 73rd in the list.

Republic of Ireland defender Richard Dunne has completed his protracted transfer to Aston Villa. The former Everton defender was originally linked with the move from Manchester City in the middle of last week but the move was not confirmed until hours after the English transfer window closed.

It has even been suggested that Dunne will become club captain at Villa Park as manager Martin O’Neill rebuilds his back four.

Meanwhile, defender Darren O’Dea has gone on loan from Glasgow Celtic to English Championship side Reading. However, his future in Scotland looks assured after he signed a new three year deal before departing for England.

Republic of Ireland international striker Anthony Stokes has returned to the scene where he made his name. Having come through Arsenal’s youth setup after a move from Shelbourne, Stokes burst on the scene with 16 goals in 18 games on a loan move to Falkirk in the Scottish Premier League. The headlines saw him secure a permanent move to Sunderland although he never hit the heights in sporadic appearances.

Now Stokes has moved to SPL side Hibernian on a permanent move from Sunderland and he will rejoin John Hughes – his then manager at Falkirk.

Stokes lack of a consistent first team place hit his international ambitions too and saw him lose his place in Giovanni Trapattoni’s squad. The 21 year old Dubliner will be hoping to add to his three international caps to date in a new scene.

Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni today named his squad for September’s World Cup qualifier against Cyprus. The 24 man squad will also be used for the international friendly against South Africa at Thomond Park a few days later.

Trapattoni has named the same squad as was used in the disastrous 3-0 loss to Australia in August.

Speaking at the squad announcement the Irish boss said,  “We have put ourselves in a good position in the qualification group going into this game. The match against Cyprus is very important as we continue to try to book our place in South Africa next summer.”

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Republic of Ireland international Damien Duff looks set for a return to England’s Premiership after current club Newcastle agreed a transfer fee with Fulham.

Fulham boss Roy Hodgson hopes to complete the move on Monday and is looking forward to again working with the winger having managed him previously at Blackburn Rovers.

Talking to the BBC Hodgson said, “It’s great to be working with him again, a player I know well. It’s added enormous quality to our team.”

The move will be completed subject to Duff passing a medical and agreeing personal terms with the London club.

Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni was left with something to think about as he prepares for the resumption of World Cup qualifying in September. Last night he saw his Irish side lose 3-0 to Australia at Thomond Park.

Tim Cahill struck twice in the first half to leave Ireland reeling before David Carney lashed home a long range third in stoppage time.

Australia have already qualified for the 2010 World Cup Finals while Ireland look on course for a play-off place.

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Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni named his starting line-up for Wednesday evening’s friendly international against Australia.

The line-up is along expected lines with the only slight surprises being the inclusion of Darron Gibson in central midfield and Sean st Ledger at the heart of the Irish defence.

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The Republic of Ireland play their first international soccer game in Limerick’s Thomond Park on Wednesday evening. Ironically it is against a traditional rugby opponent – in the form of Australia. The games comes just days before the kick off of England and Scotland’s Premier Leagues which is sure to leave a number of cross-channel managers on edge.

Speaking ahead of the game on Monday, assistant manager Liam Brady denied the game was an unwelcome distraction for the players, saying “This is a hugely important game because we’re still in with a big chance of qualifying for the World Cup next year and this is preparation for the Cyprus game which will be upon us in three weeks time.”

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