Ireland striker Robbie Keane has already become Aston Villa’s in-game gaffer by shouting out pitch instructions to his short-term colleagues.
Keane has ingratiated himself to team-mates and fans alike with his brilliant double in the 3-2 victory at Wolves last Weekend and it capped an amazing full Villa start for the 31-year-old Irish captain who is currently on loan from LA Galaxy.
And Villa player Marc Albrighton has revealed that the record Irish striker’s guidance has been just as important as his goals.
“I was watching Goals on Sunday the day after the Wolves match and it was interesting to listen to Chris Kamara’s comments about Keano,” said Albrighton.
“He made the point that Keano was almost performing a manager’s role on the pitch with the other lads.
“He was telling everyone where to go and where to pass it. That’s something he’s definitely bringing to the side.
“If he can keep doing that and keep banging in the goals, we’ll all be delighted.
“He’s not only a great person to play with he’s also a nice guy to have around the place too.
“The young boys look up to him and know they can learn from him. To be training with a player with the wealth of experience like Keano is just brilliant.”
Albrighton believes all of Villa’s attacking players will benefit greatly from playing alongside Keane before his loan spell ends at the end of February.
“Robbie thinks one step ahead of everyone else,” said Albrighton.
“Not only does he see the pass before everyone else, he has the ability to execute it too
“He’s never played really as a target man, as such, he drops off into gaps and little pockets of space and he can punish people from finding these areas.
“He has the ability to thread the balls through to people like Benty, Gabby, Charles and myself and if he doesn’t do that and decides to shoot instead, we’ve all seen what happens then!
“He can only help our team and he certainly did that on Saturday.”
Everton Boss David Moyes has praised the maturity of Ireland U21 International Shane Duffy after his home Premier League debut at Goodison Park yesterday against Blackburn.
Speaking after the 1-1 draw Moyes said “Shane Duffy had a terrific game. He was arguably our best player today and he’s a young boy; we just needed a lot more in every department.”
Derry born Duffy has now played in the last three Everton games, standing in for the injured Phil Jagielka and Sylvain Distin, and after solid showings at Spurs and Aston Villa the 20 year old centre-back ran out at Goodison Park for the first time in a league game and left the stadium with the man of the match award.
Duffy looked totally composed at the heart of the 'Toffees' backline and already seems to have built up a good understanding with fellow centre-back John Heitinga. He was defensively solid and was always a threat from set pieces. He was unlucky not to have given Everton the three points when he struck the bar with a late header.
And David Moyes was delighted at the way the youngster has stepped up to the mark in such a crucial role for the side.
"Duffy has played really well in the games," Moyes told evertontv. "He has been steady and looked mature in the games he has played.
"It is not easy for a young centre-half to play in the Premier League and we have tried to keep his game steady and simple and he has done well."
Duffy spent the first half of the season on loan at Scunthorpe before his call back to the Toffees, and impressed all at Glanford Park including Iron boss Alan Knill who was keen to retain the services of the Derry man for the remainder of the season.
Earlier this week Shane Duffy set himself a target of saving David Moyes a fortune in the transfer market and if recent performances are anything to go by, he may well do just that.
The FAI today officially confirmed that Giovanni Trapattoni's Ireland will play the Czech Republic in a friendly in Dublin on February 29.
They said the friendly will be the first of two home matches to be played in the Aviva Stadium before Ireland go to the Euro Finals in June. The second friendly will take place at the end of May and the opposition will be revealed by the association soon.
The Czech's will provide a strong test for a confident Ireland side and the squad announcement should shed some light on the probable make-up of the final 23 man squad for Euro 2012.
Sunderland's experienced Ireland international defender John O'Shea has spoken of the positive impact James McClean has had on the team since emerging on to the scene as a substitute in the 2-1 win over Blackburn on December 11. McClean’s impact has gradually increased and he has started in each of Sunderland’s last three games.
The Derry born left winger who has expressed a desire in joining O'Shea in the green of Ireland in the near future, has taken the Premiership by storm with his impressive wing play and strength on the ball. And McClean's chances of a call-up by Trapattoni received a boost yesterday when Trap commented "We have time, one month, two months before we will write the list of players. We are considering him, 100%. We just don't want to put him under pressure. That is important for him, he's 22-year old"
Speaking ahead of Sunderland's trip to Stamford Bridge for the Premiership clash with Chelsea O'Shea said “James has put in a number of brilliant performances and he’s done it all off his own back.
“No one has had to guide him through and already after a few games he looks like he can develop into a great player and be an important part of the squad.
“He causes so many problems for the opposition. He’s quick, he’s strong and he’s got a lot to his game. He gets into great positions and he’s been rewarded for that with the goals he’s scored.
Everton have completed the signing of Irish international midfielder Darron Gibson from Manchester United for an undisclosed fee.
The 24-year-old Derry born international joins on a four-and-a-half year deal and will wear the number 4 shirt.
Gibson, whose last appearance for United came in a 5-0 win over Wigan on Boxing Day, will arrive at Finch Farm immediately and could make his debut when the Blues take on Aston Villa at Villa Park on Saturday.
A product of Manchester United's youth system, Gibson broke through the ranks during the 2005/06 campaign and has since made 60 appearances, scoring 10 goals - many spectacular efforts from long range.
Last season he scored in the Red Devils’ Champions League semi-final defeat of German outfit Schalke, just over a year after another strike helped Sir Alex Ferguson's men overcome giants Bayern Munich in the last eight of the same competition.
Gibson has made seventeen international appearances for Trapattoni’s ‘Boys In Green’ and a move away from Old Trafford was essential for the player, as regular football is a must if he is to feature in the squad for the upcoming European finals in Poland in June.
Despite the recent bold pronouncements by new NI boss Michael O’Neill regarding his intention to stop players from the North opting to play for Ireland rather than his IFA team, it would seem, going by player statements in the past week, that his misguided mission is likely to continue falling on deaf-ears with players and supporters alike.
Last Week Derry born Sunderland wonder-winger James McClean again reiterated his intention to seek selection to Giovanni Trapattoni’s Ireland squad. "I have declared myself for the Republic and that's where I see my international future. If I don't get called up, then I'll live with that but I have confidence in my own ability that I will get a call-up at some stage with the Republic of Ireland”.
"I can only imagine what it would be like to play for Ireland at a tournament like that. I remember the last time they were at a finals, in 2002, everyone in Derry was watching the team then, and for me to make the squad would be unbelievable”.
Today Marc Wilson, the Stoke City midfielder from Aghagallon in County Antrim said on the Stoke website "I have always seen myself as a Republic of Ireland player. I supported them when I was growing up and if I have to continue to bide my time and wait for my chance to come along, I am happy to do that."
Wilson has represented Ireland at u19, u21 and senior level, although he has yet to play in a competitive senior international for Trapattoni.
He added: "I would love to play for them, though, one day and I have made that clear before a number of times. Hopefully, my time will come in the future. I would love to try to be part of the squad for the European finals, but if that doesn't happen, then I will keep working hard here at Stoke and try to earn a spot in the Ireland team."
"I made the decision a few years ago (to represent Ireland) without having my head turned by anybody, and I am sticking by that. It is something I am comfortable with."
And following on from McClean & Wilson’s statements of commitment to the Irish cause, Shane Duffy the Derry born Ireland U21 international has also reiterated his desire to one day make the grade for Trap’s senior squad.
Speaking in the Irish Mail on Sunday last weekend Duffy said “ When I was a young lad growing up all I ever wanted to do was play for Ireland, nothing else. My heroes were Paul McGrath, Roy Keane and Robbie Keane. Nobody from Ireland ever got in touch with me when I was younger. I was part of the NI squad, but when Liam Brady phoned me up to ask me to play for Ireland there was never a chance I was going to say no”
Perhaps the time is now right for Michael O’Neill and the IFA to concentrate on players who feel some affiliation or bond to Northern Ireland, rather than continually attempting to disrupt the international ambitions of Irish players born in the North, who are simply following their childhood dream of pulling on an Ireland shirt and representing their nation at the Aviva Stadium.
Ipswich boss Paul Jewell is hopeful of signing Leicester City defender Sean St Ledger after agreeing a fee as well as personal terms with the player.
But Jewell says the 27-year-old Irish international, who has made eight league starts this term, has a number of offers to consider.
"Everything's agreed between the two clubs and with the player's personal terms," he told BBC Radio Suffolk.
"I spoke to him on Monday. He has got a few options. Hopefully he will choose us. But we're waiting on an answer."
St Ledger agreed a three-year deal with the Foxes when he joined from Preston in the summer.
But he has failed to establish himself as a regular first-choice centre-half at the King Power Stadium and, with the European Championships this year, he will be keen to remain in the thinking of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni.
"I spoke to him at length over the weekend," Jewell added. "He just wants to make sure he makes the right decision because there are a few teams in for him.
"Hopefully we'll sell Ipswich as a long-term plan rather than a short-term option."
Ireland international Simon Cox fired West Brom into the fourth round of the FA Cup with a hat-trick against Cardiff this afternoon.
Cox headed his first home from eight yards after a cross from Baggies captain Nicky Shorey. He doubled his tally in the 61st minute with a scorcher from 25 yards that gave Heaton no chance as it crossed the line after rattling off his post, and he sealed his hat-trick with an easy tap in from an Odemwingie pass.
The Irish striker has recently hinted that he may have to move on during the January transfer window after finding first-team football hard to come by this season.
Cox is very aware that he needs to playing every week if he's to secure a squad spot in Giovanni Trapattoni's European finals squad, and with just two Premier League starts this season he feels a move away from the the Hawthorns may be his best chance of guaranteeing a trip to Poland in June.
Speaking after the game Baggies boss Roy Hodgson said :
"That's a positive for Simon who has taken his chance when it has come along.
"I thought he did very well at Tottenham the other night as well, so with his three goals and his performance today, it's a clear positive for us and for him.
"The way he played today, he clearly showed he deserves a place in the team, and we'll be thinking very seriously about that.
"Simon's a good trainer, good finisher. In the finishing practices he is always right up there, so he has to be pleased with his day's work.
"I'm pleased for him, pleased he's shown he is a Premier League quality player and that he has taken his chance after being given it with great aplomb.
"On both occasions he has been amongst our best players."
Manchester United and Ireland U21 international winger Robbie Brady will stay at Hull City until the end of the season.
The 19-year-old Dublin born player has scored one goal from 22 appearances since joining Hull on loan at the start of the season.
Tigers caretaker boss Nick Barmby said: "We've got a great platform for him to really kick on now.
"We spoke to [Manchester United] direct and the manager's been different class with us and hopefully that relationship will continue."
Brady is set to play for the Tigers in the FA Cup tie against Ipswich Town.
The former St.Kevin's Boys winger will now spend the remainder of the 2011/12 campaign with the Tigers and will hope to play a leading role in their promotion push.
Ireland international Ciarán Clark admits he has to keep his Aston Villa spot if he is to secure a place in Ireland's 23 man squad for the Euro 2012 finals in Poland.
Clark, who can play in central defence or midfield, has recently regained his Villa spot in a holding midfield role.
He is desperate to be part of the Irish squad in Poland and knows he has to impress Trapattoni at club level during the second half of Villa's Premiership campaign.
Clark who gained his first international call up in November 2010 against Norway said: "I'd like to keep getting into the Villa team because that is the only way I am going to get into the team to make the European Championships in the summer.
"I know if I play games then I will hopefully get a chance to go.
"It would be a massive experience for me to go to Euro 2012 but I haven't been picked in the last few squads.
"I hadn't really been playing for Villa but, now I'm getting a few games, it would be nice to think I've got a chance for the summer..
"I won't give up on it and hopefully I'll show I'm good enough."
There was hardly a better way for Derry born James McClean to mark his first start for Sunderland as Ji Dong-won scored a last-minute winner against Manchester City.
The 22-year-old Irish flyer starred on the left wing for Sunderland, who recorded their third win in five games thanks to Dong-won's 93rd-minute goal.
"There was jubilation after Ji's goal - the whole place just erupted," said McClean, who joined Sunderland from Derry City last summer.
"To put in a performance like that against one of the best teams in the country and come away with the win, the team deserve huge credit.
"The fans are brilliant - they created a great atmosphere in the stadium."
He explained: "We put a lot into the game, some of the lads were out on their feet, including myself - that just shows great determination and character for us to break forward and manage to come away with the win.
"It was a tough game, we stayed disciplined and kept our shape throughout the game and we got in their faces and it paid off."
Now the winger is hoping he's impressed manager Martin O'Neill sufficiently to ensure another start against Wigan Athletic at the DW Stadium tomorrow night.
He says his full debut is a huge boost and is relishing the chance to drive home his claim for a regular starting spot.
"I've had a few run-outs lately and the manager knew I was hungry for it so it was delighted when I found out I'd be starting," McClean explained.
"Hopefully I can to push on and get more starts now."
McClean, who recently stated that it would be a dream to represent Giovanni Trapattoni's Ireland side, will have done his future international prospects no harm with some eye-catching Sunderland performances in recent weeks.
Seamus Coleman is one of a number of young Irish internationals focused on making the Ireland squad for the Euro 2012 finals in Poland next summer, but all must convince Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni to include them on the European adventure.
The Everton defender is one of a number of players fighting to make Trap’s final 23 man squad for the Group C games against Croatia, Spain and Italy.
The Killybegs born midfielder knows he has to find favour with his international manager before the Euro 2012 squads are named next May.
“The only thing to do now is to play well for your club week in and week out between now and the end of the season and show the manager what you can do,” said the Goodison Park favourite
Meanwhile Trapattoni has challenged James McCarthy to find his voice and force his way into Ireland's squad for the Euro's.
McCarthy put in a man-of-the-match performance for Wigan against Chelsea last Saturday and Trapattoni sent the 21-year-old midfielder a message of congratulations afterwards.
Trap said - "James did well and I sent him a message saying 'bravo'," said Trapattoni. "He answer me also. He can grow very well. But, he is still a little shy. He can play many good balls. But he can call for the ball too. Sometimes, he is free. If he is more vocal, he can improve 30pc more.
"When I was a young player, I played immediately. In the past, James didn't play. But now he's started playing again and that's very, very important because he has a good quality."
And Trapattoni has also warned Darron Gibson that it's in his best interests to seek a new club when the transfer window opens in January.
"I know the way he thinks and this is his intention, I know he wishes to go for this situation but it depends on what agents and his manager will say," Trapattoni said.
"Gibson has great vision and he shoots very well. but in the Wolves game, Manchester United won 4-1 and he was on the bench so it is hard for him."
Although Derry born Gibson is still in Trapattoni's plans, the Italian admits that he will find it hard to select him for next summer's European Championships if he does not start playing more regularly by getting a move away from Old Trafford.
"It is a problem now that he stays on the bench. In one month it is very difficult to recover your condition,"
Former Derry City winger James McClean made an impressive debut last weekend after new Sunderland boss Martin O’Neill gave the 22 year old his chance to shine at the stadium of light, and the Irish international hopeful duly obliged by delighting the Wearside faithful with a stunning impact performance after entering as a second-half substitute.
McClean, who recently stated that it was his dream to represent Giovanni Trapattoni's Ireland side, will have done his future international prospects no harm with his eye-catching Sunderland debut.
Signed by previous manager Steve Bruce in a £350,000 summer buy from Derry City, first-team opportunities have been hard to come by.
However, when given one by O’Neill, McClean grasped it with both hands and played a key role in the Black Cats’ dramatic comeback.
He said: “When I arrived, I just wanted to get into the team as soon as possible.
“I did not honestly expect it to be as quick as it has been.
“I came here with the mindset of working hard every day in training, trying to improve as a player and eventually getting into the team.
“Now I am just delighted to get my debut out of the way, but I am not taking anything for granted, I know it is only one game.
“I will continue with what I have been doing in training and try to improve.”
Of his debut, McClean revealed any pre-match nerves he might have had were eased by a quiet word from O’Neill prior to coming on the pitch.
He added: “It was not a bad debut at all with the manager’s first game in charge and to get the win as well. It was an all-round good day.
“I just came on and played my own game and it was a great moment. The manager just told me to go on, play my normal game and not be nervous.
“That gave me the confidence to just go on and do what I have been doing in the reserves.”
Last weekend’s win over Blackburn ended a winless run of five games for Sunderland and McClean has credited new gaffer O’Neill for providing the spark to inspire the team to victory.
He continued: “The new manager has come in and been a breath of fresh air.
“He has given the lads a lot of confidence by being upbeat. It has rubbed off on the players.
“Training has been different as every manager has their own style, but there have not been big changes.
“You could see what it meant to the fans to have Martin O’Neill.
“For him to gain a win in his first game in charge made it the perfect day.
“His managerial record speaks for itself. When you are a player like myself coming through the ranks, it gives you a confidence boost when there is someone like him in charge
Skysports.com understands a host of clubs are tracking Shamrock Rovers striker Karl Sheppard.
Sheppard is out of contract at the end of the month and the news has alerted a number of clubs in England to his possible availability.
Should Sheppard leave Shamrock Rovers any compensation for his signature would be minimal as he has only been at the League of Ireland club for a year and joined them on a free transfer.
The likes of Sunderland, Blackpool, Cardiff, Watford and Peterborough are all thought to be keeping tabs on the Ireland Under 21 international.
Sheppard will have the ideal chance to put himself in the shop window when he lines up against Tottenham in the Europa League on Thursday with scouts set to watch the former Everton youngster.
Sheppard's exclusive agent, Dan Fletcher, admits it comes as no surprise that a number of sides are interested in landing the 20-year-old forward
"Karl's had a great season for Shamrock, he's scored 10 goals and is the first striker name on their team sheet,"
Ireland will be based in Gdynia in Poland for Euro 2012, the Football Association today confirmed
Giovanni Trapattoni and Marco Tardelli visited Poland this week to sign off on the base camp for the finals.
Gdynia is located in the Pomeranian region of Poland and is part of a metropolitan area around the city of Gdansk, known as Tricity. The team will be located at the Sheraton Sopot Hotel.
Trapattoni said: "I am very happy that we have been able to secure Gdynia as a base camp for Euro 2012. This base meets and exceeds all of our criteria, having a good training ground, being close to the airport and being based in Poland.
"The hotel and training facilities are excellent and provide us with a well-positioned base with all of the facilities required for the championships."
The Irish team will train at the Municipal Stadium in Gdynia, a new ground with a capacity of 15,000.
Ireland's first match will see them transfer to the Municipal Stadium in Poznan to face Croatia on 10 June.
Ireland will then play Spain in the Gdansk Arena on 14 June and in the final Group C match, Ireland will take on Italy in Poznan on 18 June.
Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni has won the Philips Manager of the Year award after guiding the national side to their first major championship finals in 10 years.
The Italian was in competition with Dublin football manager Pat Gilroy, who led the capital side to their first All-Ireland title in 16 years, Brian Cody, who lifted the Liam McCarthy trophy with Kilkenny, and Leinster's Heineken Cup-winning coach Joe Schmidt.
But the award, which was announced at a ceremony in the Shelbourne Hotel in Dublin on Wednesday afternoon, was given to the 72-year-old in recognition of his achievement of guiding the 'Boys In Green' to second place in Group B and the subsequent 5-1 aggregate win over Estonia in the play-offs.
The last time the award went to an international football manager was in 2001 when Mick McCarthy brought Ireland to the 2002 World Cup finals in Japan/Korea.
Ireland face a tough group after being drawn against world and European Champions Spain, Italy and Croatia in Kiev on Friday evening.
Giovanni Trapattoni's side, who will play all of their Group C games in Poland, kick off their finals campaign against Croatia in Gdansk on 10 June.
Ireland will remain in the port city for the clash against tournament favourites Spain on 14 June, before travelling to Poznan for the side's final group game against Italy on 18 June.
Speaking after the draw Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni said: "We have to think about football where anything is possible, we have to play with the same mentality we have shown and I am confident. I know Italy better but every game is different, Spain are also a very, very strong team but we have to think about our moment. It is important now that our squad is complete with no injuries."Ireland V Croatia - Sun June 10,Poznan.
Ireland V Spain - Thu 14 June,Gdansk.
Ireland V Italy. - Mon 18 June,Poznan.
The FAI has agreed a new two-year contract with Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni and his assistant Marco Tardelli.
The new deal was announced in a statement today. It will begin in July 2012 and continue for the duration of the World Cup 2014 qualifying campaign. Fitness trainer Fausto Rossi will also continue in his role.
Trapattoni has secured his new contract on the back of Ireland's successful qualification for Euro 2012.
Commenting via an official FAI statement, the 72-year-old said: "I am very happy to continue my job with the FAI. I have always said that Marco and I believe very strongly in the work that we are doing to grow and develop the Irish team.
"It is a huge honour and a privilege to represent the Irish team and we look forward to continuing this important task."
FAI chief executive John Delaney said: "On behalf of the FAI Board of management, we are very happy to agree a contract extension with Giovanni Trapattoni and his team of Marco Tardelli and Fausto Rossi.
"They have done fantastic work with the squad, bringing us to qualification for a major tournament for the first time in ten years, increasing our world ranking to 21st and introducing many new players for the future.
"Giovanni's experience, professionalism and achievement in qualifying for EURO 2012 has impressed everyone including the players and the FAI Board."
Commenting on O'Brien's financial support, Delaney added: "The FAI Board of Management are particularly grateful to Denis O'Brien for his continuing contribution which gives the Irish team and supporters the benefit of Giovanni's services into the next World Cup campaign."
O'Brien also commented on the deal. He said: "Giovanni Trapattoni has done a tremendous job in bringing Ireland to qualification for the Euros for the first time since 1988.
"His professionalism, experience and close working relationship with the players has developed a squad which has grown in self-belief and determination.
"The squad is showing plenty of potential for further improvement during the coming campaign. I am delighted to continue my partnership with the FAI, Giovanni Trapattoni and the Irish squad."
FAI President Paddy McCaul said: "I am delighted that we have been able to retain the services of Giovanni Trapattoni. He brings a wealth of experience and a great working relationship with the FAI and the players.
"The fact that we have gone into the last two campaigns as third seeds and have finished second in both, as well as being seeded for the play-offs in EURO campaign, speaks volumes about his ability to deliver.
"I would like to congratulate Giovanni, Marco and Fausto on this renewed appointment"
The draw for UEFA EURO 2012 will take place on December 2nd in Kiev, Ukraine. Ireland are 4th seeds and the draw will determine our entry into one of four groups, A, B, C or D.
Each of the four groups will play matches across two host venues in one of the host countries, either Poland or Ukraine.
• Group A will play matches in the Polish cities of Warsaw and Wroclaw
• Group B will play matches in the Ukranian cities of Kharkiv and Lviv
• Group C will play matches in the Polish cities of Poznan and Gdansk
• Group D will play matches in Ukranian cities of Donetsk and Kiev
Depending on the venues drawn on December 2nd, the number of tickets allocated by UEFA for Irish supporters will range from between 6,000 and 10,000 per match.
Ticket allocations for Irish supporters
In order to distribute tickets fairly to supporters during the UEFA EURO 2012 championships, an FAI Fan Sales Portal will be set up on www.uefa.com from December 12th 2011 until February 29th 2012.
Those entitled to apply for tickets through this portal will include:
1. Supporters who have attended away matches during the EURO 2012 qualifying campaign.
2. Vantage Club Members
3. Current Season Ticket Holders (Season 2011/2012)
4. Active Block Bookers
Please note: Clubs, leagues and affiliates who have a ticket allocation with the FAI will be contacted by the FAI separately.
In total there are more than 6,500 individuals in these groups and each person will be entitled to apply for a maximum of two tickets per person for each of the group stage matches involving the Republic of Ireland in UEFA EURO 2012, as well as the knock-out stages of the tournament should Ireland progress.
How do I apply?
If you are entitled to apply for tickets by falling into the categories above, you will be contacted by the FAI during the week commencing December 5th and ending December 9th. You will be provided with a password that will allow you to log on to the FAI Fan Sales Portal on www.uefa.com
This portal will open on Monday December 12th @ 9am and will close on February 29th 2012 @ midnight. The FAI Fan Sales Portal on www.uefa.com will invite you to apply by registering your information and providing payment details.
Please note that applications on this portal are not made on a first come, first served basis so it is sufficient to register and apply any time between December 12th 2011 and February 29th 2012.
A maximum of two tickets per match can be requested by each applicant.
If your application is successful, your payment will be deducted and you will be notified by March 15th 2012 as to the success of your application and beakdown of tickets.
Please note that Terms & Conditions will apply to the FAI Fan Sales Portal and will be available online once the portal opens.
NB Applicants will be given the option to apply for tickets for Quarter-Final, Semi-Final & Final tickets should Ireland qualify for these rounds. Successful applicants for the above will receive match Tickets for the Group Stage fixtures, and then Vouchers for the knock-out stages which can be redeemed prior to match day should Ireland qualify for that particular match. If Ireland are eliminated at any stage the applicant will be refunded the appropriate amount and their Vouchers rendered invalid.
If you do not fall into the above categories, there are three further options available:
1) Book packages through Abbey Travel, the FAI's official travel partner.
2) Book packages through Thomson Sport, the licensed travel partner of UEFA EURO 2012.
3) Apply through the UEFA European Re-sale portal which redistributes tickets based on availaibility of returns.
Ireland will start their qualifying campaign for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil away to Kazakhstan.
Following a meeting at the headquarters of their German counterparts in Frankfurt, the Football Association of Ireland announced today that agreement has been reached over their fixture schedule.
September 7, 2012
Kazakhstan v Ireland
October 12, 2012
Ireland v Germany
October 16, 2012
Faroe Islands v Ireland
March 22, 2013
Sweden v Ireland
March 26, 2013
Ireland v Austria
June 7, 2013
Ireland v Faroe Islands
September 6, 2013
Ireland v Sweden
September 10, 2013
Austria v Ireland
October 11, 2013
Germany v Ireland
October 15, 2013
Ireland v Kazakhstan
