Previous Day
Miller back in reckoning
Soccer/ Euro 2008 qualifying : Just a day after Roy
Keane had suggested that Liam Miller has the capacity to become the
key figure in the Republic of Ireland's midfield, Steve Staunton
took the first step towards handing the Sunderland midfielder
another opportunity to establish his international credentials by
calling him into the squad for Saturday's game against Germany. p
Ashton sees no need for change
World Cup : What's good for France is good for England. Maintaining the striking similarities between the two countries on their somewhat circuitous and even tortuous routes to Saturday's semi-final in Stade de France (kick-off 8pm Irish time), Brian Ashton duly followed Bernard Laporte's example in naming an unchanged starting XV and replacements.
Harrington in determined mood
World Matchplay Championship : The fruits of his labours are increasingly evident to Padraig Harrington. Take this week's latest shindig for example, for the biggest financial prize in golf to whoever should prevail. p
Rugby 
IRFU 'will not be held to ransom' by contracts
Sports Politics : IRFU chief executive Philip Browne said yesterday the union would not be held to ransom by the contract it signed with Eddie O'Sullivan prior to the rugby World Cup.Laporte sticks with the right formula
In advance of their hour and 20 minutes of greatest need, Bernard Laporte and the French think tank devised a selection containing an untried halfback combination and fullback, two big-tackling, spoiling flankers and some pre-cooked impact replacements.Corleto rounds on Springboks
Argentina winger Ignacio Corleto has lit the fuse ahead of Sunday's World Cup semi-final by labelling South Africa arrogant.Stringer and Carney back in ranks for Munster duty
Celtic League News : The trickle of Irish World Cup players back into the provincial set-ups continues as Peter Stringer and Brian Carney return to the Munster squad that plays the Ospreys in Swansea this Sunday in the Magners Celtic League. pIreland's top two officials given nod for next season
Six Nations news : The International Board (IRB) has released the officiating appointments for next season's Six Nations Championship, confirming that Ireland's top two referees, Alain Rolland who is due to take charge of the World Cup final and Alan Lewis, will preside over a couple of matches. pHowlett arrested in London
New Zealand and Munster player Doug Howlett apologised to fans and team-mates yesterday for his "tomfoolery" after he was arrested for damaging cars outside the All Blacks' hotel in London. pUnlikely salute for All Blacks
The World is Oval : New Zealand captain Richie McCaw was visibly surprised by the warm reception a crowd of 1,500 Kiwis gave the returning All Blacks in Christchurch airport yesterday. p
Ireland very much in Dunne's thoughts
Mary Hannigan hears the Manchester City captain's concerns for team-mate Stephen Ireland. pBierhoff confident in squad strength
Euro 2008 qualifying : Steve Staunton probably still views his rival's options as enviable but Joachim Loew's problems continued to mount yesterday ahead of Saturday's Euro 2008 qualifier in Dublin with the German coach losing two right-side midfielders, Bernd Schneider and Roberto Hilbert, to injury. pOwen insists on helping the cause
Euro 2008 qualifying: At a mere 27, Michael Owen's career already resembles an endurance test. pGillespie may yet miss out
Euro 2008 qualifying: Northern Ireland manager Nigel Worthington never even considered leaving Keith Gillespie out of his squad for the Euro 2008 qualifier in Sweden following his clash with George McCartney. pBellamy boost for Wales
Euro 2008 qualifying: Less than 24 hours after John Toshack expressed his amazement that Craig Bellamy might recover from last Thursday's groin surgery to play against San Marino next week, the Wales captain came through a training session yesterday and promptly brought forward his remarkable comeback to Saturday's Euro 2008 qualifying fixture in Cyprus, where he expects to lead his country. pScotland wary of Shevchenko
Euro 2008 qualifying: Andriy Shevchenko may be misfiring at Chelsea but he is still the man whom Scotland will fear the most when they take on Ukraine in Saturday's Euro 2008 qualifying match at Hampden Park. pMahon happy to draw home venue
FAI Cup: The organisers may be a little apprehensive after seeing the two best supported clubs left in this season's Ford-sponsored FAI Cup drawn against each other in the semi-finals, but as Pete Mahon took training at Belfield last night the UCD coach could scarcely have been happier with the way things have worked out. pChelsea get their man
Soccer Shorts : Chelsea said yesterday that the signing of Henk ten Cate as their assistant manager from Dutch side Ajax is imminent. p
Ballyhale star says burnout an issue
News round-up : It was somewhat ironic that AIB launched the new season of the club championship on the back of the GAA's reports into player burnout and fixture congestion. pGPA to meet Minister today
The Gaelic Players Association (GPA) will today meet the Minister for Sport Séamus Brennan in their latest effort to successfully implement the €5 million in grant aid earmarked for intercounty players. pBreheny resigns as Sligo manager
Tommy Breheny has stepped down as Sligo manager, citing work and family commitments. This year Breheny led the county to their first Connacht senior football title since 1975. pBrennan and AFL chief set to meet in Paris
The future of the International Rules series with Australia could effectively be decided at a meeting in a Paris hotel this day week. p
Heavyweight clash adds touch of spice
World Matchplay Championship: The two heavyweights have been thrown straight into the fray. pMcIlroy confident first tour victory is close
Madrid Open : Teenage star Rory McIlroy is targeting his first European Tour victory in just his third event as a professional, in the Madrid Open which starts today. pParnevik back in the groove
Las Vegas Open : Desert golf fan Jesper Parnevik is in high spirits for this week's Las Vegas Open after being edged out in a play-off for the Texas Open on Sunday. p
Fikrah cheers Prendergast
News round-up : Curragh trainer Kevin Prendergast enjoyed his 50th winner of the season when the Hamdan Al Maktoum-owned Fikrah landed the Kilcarn Stud EBF Fillies Maiden at Navan yesterday. p
England secure series win
Sports Digest/ Cricket : Opener Alastair Cook scored 80 to guide England to a five-wicket win and their first one-day series victory in Sri Lanka yesterday. pUnassuming Pavlik being hailed as a breath of fresh air
America At Large : When Kelly Pavlik checked out of his Atlantic City hotel on the morning of September 30th, he was carrying the WBC and WBO middleweight championship belts he had won by knocking out Jermain Taylor the night before, writes George Kimball . p
