The FAI have stated Ireland will be seeded in the draw for the Euro 2012 play-offs after Giovanni Trapattoni's men finished second in their group in qualifying. Watch the draw for the Euro 2012 play-offs on Thursday at 12pm on RTÉ.ie Tuesday night's win over Armenia, coupled with results around Europe, means Ireland can be drawn with Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro, Turkey and Estonia. Ireland will be seeded with Portugal, Czech Republic and Croatia. However, Trapattoni is happy to accept whatever fate sends their way. He said: "All the second-placed teams are very important. We must accept whichever team. "The first and second teams in the table are always great teams. But I think it would be better to play the first game away and the
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Neville: Rooney ban moves focus from issues
Referee Wolfgang Stark believes Wayne Rooney may escape a prolonged Euro 2012 ban as he declined to protest his dismissal on Friday, but Gary Neville says the talk of his suspension is merely a distraction from the fact England are "not good enough". GettyImagesEngland are awaiting UEFA's decision on the length of Wayne Rooney's ban • Redknapp: Ban could be costly• Wilkins urges FA to consider Hoddle Stark issued Rooney with a straight red for kicking out as England played out a 2-2 draw in Montenegro in their final competitive game before the finals and, given his status as Fabio Capello's star player, there are concerns that it could severely hamper the country's chances. UEFA is likely to make a ruling on the length of the
Buck: Blues accelerating self-sufficiency plans
Bruce Buck says Chelsea are accelerating their plans for the post-Roman Abramovich era in the light of UEFA's Financial Fair Play rules. PA PhotosBruce Buck is targeting financial self-sufficiency as soon as possible • Buck: No decision on move• Buck eyes Villas-Boas longevity Chelsea have benefitted hugely from Abarmovich's funding since his takeover in 2003, but UEFA is cracking down on funds from benefactors in a bid to make clubs self-sufficient. Former Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon had vowed to see the club break even by the 2010-11 season back in December 2008, but last year the club reported a loss of £70 million. With UEFA threatening to throw clubs out of the Champions League from 2014 if they spend beyond their means, Blues chairman Buck
All-Star football nominees are named
Alan Brogan - The Dublin forward is hotly tipped to be named player of the year The GAA and the GPA have named 45 players as nominees for the 2011 GAA GPA All-Star Football Awards sponsored by Opel. The county-by-county breakdown for nominees is as follows: Dublin 12, Kerry nine, Donegal seven, Mayo five, Kildare five, Cork three, Tyrone two, Wexford one and Derry one. The final team of 15 players will be presented at a banquet event at the Convention Centre, Dublin, on Friday 21 October. The full list of nominees is listed below. Goalkeepers: Brendan Kealy (Kerry), Stephen Cluxton (Dublin), Paul Durkan (Donegal). Full-backs: Michael Foley (Kildare), Neil McGee (Donegal), Frank McGlynn (Donegal), Marc Ó Sé (Kerry), Rory O'Carroll (Dublin), Tom O'Sullivan (Kerry), Joe
Everton to splash out to sign Bradford teen
Everton have agreed to sign 15-year-old Bradford City midfielder George Green in a deal that could eventually rise to £2 million. PA PhotosDavid Moyes looks to have won the race to sign George Green • Everton to appeal Rodwell red card Talks took place on Saturday, according to the Telegraph and Argus newspaper in Bradford, and a deal has been agreed that will see Everton pay almost £300,000 upfront plus bonuses based on appearances, new contracts and international appearances. A sell-on clause will also be included. Bradford head of football development Archie Christie said Green, who has also attracted interest from Tottenham Hotspur and Rangers, has the potential to be a leading star. "This is one of the highest deals ever for a 15-year-old from a
Best a doubt for quarter-final with Wales
Rory Best's participation in Ireland's World Cup quarter-final against Wales on Saturday is in serious doubt. Best sprained the AC join in his right shoulder during yesterday's 36-6 victory over Italy at Otago Stadium and is receiving treatment. A replacement for the Ulster hooker, who has been playing the best rugby of his Ireland career, has yet to be summoned and a clearer picture over his condition will emerge tomorrow. "Rory's doubtful for the weekend but we haven't written him off just yet," said manager Paul McNaughton. "We'll assess it tomorrow and have more information then. He's definitely doubtful. "He's getting manipulation at the moment. We'll have a better idea tomorrow after a morning's treatment." Ireland have already lost one hooker during the World Cup after
Liverpool owner hurt in boat accident – report
Liverpool owner John Henry was taken to hospital after an accident on his yacht, according to reports out of the United States. WBZ NewsRadio 1030 said that the tycoon, who also owns the Boston Red Sox, left his private boat in a neck brace after a minor incident. The report added that the 52-year-old was taken to a nearby hospital by ambulance. There is yet to be an official comment from Liverpool or the Red Sox on the matter.