Trapattoni watching St Ledger & Andrews

Giovanni Trapattoni attended two matches in England on Saturday ahead of selecting his Ireland squad for the World Cup qualifier against Georgia.

The Italian joined Alan Kelly at the early kick-off game between Preston North End and Burnley.

Kelly has a long-standing relationship with Preston, but the impressive recent performances of Sean St Ledger could have been the reason for Trapattoni's presence.

He then made the short trip to watch Blackburn Rovers play Newcastle United, with the form of Keith Andrews and Damien Duff high on the agenda.

Meanwhile, Keith Fahey made his debut for Birmingham City in their 1-1 draw with Cardiff City at St. Andrews.

The former St Patrick's Athletic midfielder replaced fellow Irishman Lee Carsley with seven minutes to go.

There were goals aplenty for Irish players across the pond today, with Rory Delap's strike at Stamford Bridge for Stoke City the highlight.

Alan Lee, Owen Garvan, Wes Hoolahan,Anthony Pilkington and Darren Potter were on target for their Chamionship respective clubs.

Finnan medical halts Hull City move

Steve Finnan's £1million move to Hull City fell through last night after a medical revealed a deep-seated problem with his left thigh.

The Ireland international suffered the injury in November and has struggled to figure for Espanyol since. The former Liverpool right back, 32, has also seen moves to Tottenham and Blackburn on loan dashed because the Spanish club were demanding a fee.

It is another blow to Hull manager Phil Brown’s bid to recruit experienced players.

Stephen Hunt picks up Championship Player Of The Month award

Reading and Ireland midfielder Stephen Hunt has won the December Powerade Player of the Month Award in the Coca-Cola Championship.

Hunt's performances were at the heart of a fantastic month for Reading, which saw them pick up 17 points from their seven league fixtures.

The Irish international's impressive displays helped the Royals to five straight wins at the beginning of the month, including his eighth goal of the season in the victory against Norwich. Two solid draws against Cardiff and Southampton rounded off an unbeaten December to help Reading close the gap on league leaders Wolverhampton Wanderers as they head into 2009.

Chris Kamara, chairman of the Powerade Player of the Month Awards panel, said:

"Stephen Hunt has been in terrific form for Reading since the start of the season and December was no exception. His driving displays from the heart of midfield were instrumental in his side's fine performances, which saw the Royals remain unbeaten throughout December and notch five consecutive wins in a row that culminated in an outstanding away victory at promotion rivals Birmingham City."

McShane enjoying life at Hull

Paul McShane is on top of the world and, against all odds, looking down on relegation.

At the start of the season when McShane accepted a loan deal to Phil Brown's newly promoted Hull City side many expected that the Kilpedder man was going to be in for a long hard season. But the overachievers have surprised everyone and currently sit in eigth place in the Premier League.

And McShane couldn't be happier at the moment and admits that he's enjoying his football now more than at any other point in his career.

'Yeah I'm enjoying it. I've enjoyed every minute of it since I've come here it's been a good experience and the team's done well overall and we've had a bit of a dip in form lately but we have to get back on track and try to get as many points on the board as we can.

'Definitely. When you're playing you'll always enjoy your football more. It's all about playing at the end of the day. But yeah, I'm definitely enjoying it a lot more.'

The 23-year-old also says he doesn't mind too much where he plays on the pitch, as long as he plays.

'I don't know really, I don't know what my position is right now. I was a centre back like, but I've played all season at right back now and I suppose that's my position for the time being but anywhere across the back four really,' stated the modest youngster before adding tongue in cheek: 'And up front, fancy myself as a bit of a striker as well, ahh no I'm only joking.'

One thing a player will never joke about is his future though and the former Manchester United man confesses he hasn't put too much thought into whether or not he will be a Black Cat or a Tiger come next season.

'I'm not sure, I'm really not sure. I'm just taking it easy, I'm just enjoying myself at the moment I haven't really put much thought into where I'll be or whatever in the next few months. I'm just enjoying myself here at the moment and we'll see what happens.'

McShane's stay at Hull could come to a premature end however as new Sunderland boss Ricky Sbragia has admitted he's thinking about bringing the Republic of Ireland international back to the Stadium of Light, and he has until the end of the January transfer window to decide. One man who'll be hoping McShane remains at Hull until the end of the season however is manager Phil Brown, and he is a man who has left a mark on 'Macca'.

'He's done well, he's done very well. We've had an incredible start and he's done really well. He has impressed me since I've come here. He's very concentrated, he's specific to detail and he prepares brilliantly so I have to say he's done really well.'

Brown was of course the manager who decided to hold his half-time team talk on the pitch on St. Stephen's Day after Hull went into the break trailing 4-0 to Manchester City and McShane says he can understand his manager's reasoning.

'I felt like a little kid again! But the performance wasn't there in the first-half so everybody was disappointed and I think it was just to give us a kick up the backside really.'

If performances like that continue Hull could find themselves rapidly dropping down the table and the 6ft star is well aware of that prospect.

'You never know. We're lying eigth at the moment and we just want to keep looking ahead of us really. We just want to keep getting points on the board as I said before. We just have to re-group now and put things right.'

Putting his club situation aside for a minute, the former St. David's student spoke fondly of his achievements so far with Ireland having already won 13 caps but admits it won't be easy to force his way into Giovanni Trapattoni's plans when the Italian has a fully fit squad to choose from.

'Yeah it's pretty good. I just want to keep notching up as many caps as I can and there's some important games coming up for the Irish team and I want to be involved in them. I just want to keep playing.

'I don't know. There's a lot of competition at the back so I'll just keep plugging away, keep cracking away at it and hopefully he'll give me a chance. So all I can do is keep cracking away at it.'

Of course you can't discuss the Ireland team without discussing a certain Mr. Stephen Ireland and McShane, like most of us, wants to see the Man. City star back in a green jersey as soon as possible.

'Yeah of course. Of course I would. He's a great player and he's having a great season and we can only benefit from his talent so hopefully he does come back.'

One thing McShane must hate about playing for Ireland is the unjust amount of criticism he receives, mainly from Eamonn Dunphy, but it's like water off a duck's back to the 11 and a half stone defender.

'I just think that's football. You've always got a question mark over you no matter who you are. You'll always have your critics but it's part of the game. It's part of the modern game.

'You've just got to take it. You're not going to be everybody's flavour of the month. You're not going to keep everyone happy but that's just life in general isn't it?'

While he mightn't have found the net in those 13 appearances for Ireland, he has managed to score for Hull this season, coming against Premier League leaders at Liverpool and as expected, he was pretty happy with it.

'It was great. It was brilliant. It was my first goal in the Premier League and it was a special moment. I had got concussion a little bit before it - well not concussion just slight concussion - and then my eyesight sort of went when I got the knock on my head so I had to get taken off so it was a high and a low for me. '

Although that goal caused the Anfield men to drop two points, McShane says he would like to see them lift the Premier League come May as it's been a long wait for the Merseyside club.

One man who could be a big help to Liverpool's title charge is Fernando Torres, and McShane admits the Spaniard is the toughest opponent he's ever faced.

'Fernando Torres. He was probably the toughest. He's an overall great player. He's very clever and he's got great skill as well and he's also very quick.'

Whether at Sunderland or Hull City, the chirpy youngster is going to come up against many more players of top quality, and this will surely only make him even stronger.

Gibson 'buzzing' after FA cup goal

Derry's Manchester United and Ireland midfielder, Darron Gibson, scored his first competitive goal for the Premiership champions as they strolled to victory over Championship outfit, Southampton, in the FA Cup third round at St. Mary's on Sunday evening.

The 20 years-old Hazelbank lad, who entered the game as a second half substitute, justified his selection in the star studded panel with an 81st minute goal as United cruised to a comfortable 3-0 win, setting up a high profile fourth round clash with Spurs at Old Trafford.

And having finally got off the mark with his first senior strike for the club, Gibson revealed he is determined to make the most of his opportunity in the first team and, hopefully, find the net once again tomorrow night as United take on Derby County in the Carling Cup semi-final at Pride Park.

"I played in the FA Cup last year when I was out on loan with Wolves, but this was my first time playing in the competition with Manchester United and it was totally different. It was the biggest game of my career to date," declared Darren.

"I really enjoyed the experience, especially getting on the scoresheet and, If I'm to be totally honest, I could have scored a few more. I missed a few chances before I did find the net so it was a relief to finally get a goal. Wayne Rooney did really well to find me for our third goal.

"I must admit I'm buzzing at the minute," he enthused. "I've been working extremely hard in training and have been trying to improve on my finishing. I'm trying to get into the box a lot more often.

"Hopefully, if I start on Wednesday night against Derby I'll get an opportunity to score another goal. The manager seems to be keeping his faith in me and I intend to do everything I can to stay in his plans. He's told me that I'll definitely be involved in the game against Derby so I hope I can get on the scoresheet again and continue to make an impression.

"I'm getting a lot more chances this season and the longer we stay in the FA Cup - and if we can reach the Carling Cup Final - then the more chances of first team action I'm going to get. And as the season goes on I might even get more opportunities in the Premiership which is what I'm aiming towards," claimed the Derry man.

Having now rubbed shoulders with players of the quality of Dimitar Berbatov, Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney, Gibson believes he is continuing to develop as a player in the top flight of English football and is relishing the challenge.

"Playing with the likes of Rooney and Berbatov only makes you a better player," he maintains. "It's the first time I've played with Berbatov - he's different class.

He's a great player and he can find you with a pass from anywhere. It's definitely a lot easier playing alongside world class players.

"When I came on I started on the right side, I'm not sure why the manager wanted me to play there, but I'm just glad to be getting a chance to play and I'll play anywhere he wants me to. I would much prefer playing in the middle of the park but I'm certainly not going to complain if the manager chooses to play me, I'm just happy being involved."

Sir Alex Ferguson was pleased to see his side back amongst the goals again and was delighted to see Gibson net his first goal for the club.

"It's our best scoreline for quite a while," said the United boss.
"We've been missing too many chances lately, but at least we took a better percentage of them against Southampton.

"It was good to see Darron Gibson get off the mark. There's been a good spread of goals throughout the squad this season - that's 14 different players who have scored this season which is healthy," noted the Scot.

Blues boss hopes Kelly can now bounce back from injury

Birmingham boss Alex McLeish is hoping that fit again Stephen Kelly will return eager to bounce back from his early season misery.

The Ireland international is back in contention after three months out with a thigh muscle injury.

Prior to picking up his injury, the right-back was forced to play second fiddle to Stuart Parnaby at the start of the season.

Ironically Kelly was Blues’ only ever present outfield player last season yet he has only made one start and three substitute appearances during the current Championship campaign.

Now, with Nicky Hunt having been recalled by Bolton Wanderers, Kelly, for whom Blues rejected a £2.7 million bid from Fulham in the summer, will attempt to outmuscle Parnaby from the right-back berth.

And McLeish now wants to see the hungry Dubliner looking to make amends for his lack of action so far this season.

“Stephen Kelly hopefully comes back with all guns blazing,” said McLeish.

“He will be disappointed at not starting earlier in the season and I think it set him back a wee bit mentally, then, of cours,e he got an injury.

‘‘So I will be looking for Kel to come back and try to give Parnaby huge competition for the spot.

“I think Stephen will be anxious to get his head down and get back into the team, he’s been out for such a while I’m sure that will be his first mission.

“Stephen’s return to fitness has been absolute perfect timing"

Italy confirm Bari

The Italian Football Association has confirmed that the San Nicola stadium in Bari will host the forthcoming World Cup qualifier, Italy v Ireland on April 1, 2009.

Italy, who visit Montenegro four days before the match, lead Group Eight with 10 points from four games.

Ireland are three points behind in second spot after two wins and a draw under former Azzurri manager Trapattoni.

Ireland have home matches against Georgia and Bulgaria on February 11 and March 28 respectively before visiting the world champions in the southern Italian city.

Tony Adams: Wilson can be Premier League star

Tony Adams has backed Marc Wilson to continue making a Pompey impact.

The Irish defender continued his progress in the Portsmouth starting eleven and produced an outstanding display at Arsenal.

He was almost the architect of a shock Blues opener when his deep cross from the right was headed against the post by Peter Crouch in the 24th minute.

But his all-round performance was another massive plus point in the development of the home-grown product.

Wilson has now started three of Pompey's last four matches at right-back – and his manager believes it's just the start.

Adams said: 'The kid's fantastic and if he makes mistakes he makes them honestly. It can only be beneficial for him, it's a big positive.

'The first choice would be Glen (Johnson), but to get that level of experience for Marc can only be great for his career, it really can.

'I rate Marc highly – I think he's got every chance and I've been absolutely delighted with him.

'He's been given a chance and he's taking it.

I think he can be a real Premier League player.'

Keane double secures Boxing Day victory

Ireland international Robbie Keane can now safely assume that he will not be leaving Liverpool in January.

Two weeks ago, the Dubliner might have gone to bed at night worrying whether rumours of him becoming surplus to requirements at Anfield, just six months after his £20 million arrival from Tottenham, might actually become reality with the opening of the transfer window.

But having taken his tally to three goals in two games in the space of five days with his second-half double against Bolton, Keane not only banished any fears for his future, he also gave a glimpse as to why manager Rafael Benitez invested so much of Liverpool's money in the forward.

Keane, whose match-winning display was matched by that of the hugely impressive Xabi Alonso, did more than simply score two crisp goals to take his tally to five goals in seventeen league games. He pulled Bolton's overworked defenders all over the pitch, ran himself into the ground and, not insignificantly, he was even allowed to complete the ninety minutes, a rare privilege for the Irishman.

But, this being Liverpool, keeping everything on an even keel is the only way and Keane's performance was not afforded any special praise by assistant manager Sammy Lee, who once again took charge of the dug-out with Benitez only fit enough to watch from the directors' box following his recent kidney stones ailment.

Lee said: "It's always nice to see any Liverpool player score, never mind Robbie Keane. It's never been about individuals and Robbie has always worked very hard.

"He is a talented player and we know the quality that he provides, so we have never been worried by his performances. You would have to ask the boy himself, but I don't think that Robbie has ever been lacking in confidence. We know what he gives us."

With Fernando Torres still short of full fitness following a month-long hamstring lay-off, the prospect of Keane and Torres scoring goals together suggests that Liverpool can maintain their title push and they head for Newcastle on Sunday have retained top spot in the Premier League.

Lee added: "Being top is important, but this club prepares to be top of the league, not fifth, sixth or seventh and we are where we want to be at this moment in time."

Although Bolton began in determined mood, the defensive frailties of left-back Jlloyd Samuel opened the door for Albert Riera to score Liverpool's opener and set the home side on their way.

Samuel, who was twice easily beaten by Yossi Benayoun in the early stages, allowed Riera to escape at the near post and volley Steven Gerrard's corner past the exposed Jussi Jaaskelainen on 26 minutes and, from that moment on, Bolton never showed any signs of hauling themselves level, even when the hopeless Samuel was replaced by Kevin Davies at the interval.

Davies's introduction made no difference, however, as Liverpool merely upped the tempo and the crucial second goal came on 53 minutes when Keane beat Jaaskelainen with an unstoppable left-foot effort into the top corner after latching onto Gerrard's throughball.

From being on the verge of being written off as an expensive flop, Keane now appears to be finding form at just the right time and the Irish forward scored again five minutes later to take his league tally to five goals when he finished off a breathtaking move, started by goalkeeper Pepe Reina and moved on by Alonso and Yossi Benayoun, with a tap-in from six yards.

But despite being allowed to see out the game by Benitez and Lee, Keane could not dig out a hat-trick goal. Still, the victory was already assured and, for Bolton manager Gary Megson, the outcome of the game merely bolstered his belief that the Premier League is becoming a tale of the big four and the bottom sixteen.

Time for McGeady to move on from Strachan and Celtic

There will always be battles, disagreements & personality clashes within any team set-up and Strachan has had his fair share of those over the last three years at Celtic, for example when he got rid of the nucleus of the O’Neill team, Chris Sutton, Petrov, Alan Thompson etc….

But the McGeady episode feels different, it feels personal rather than team related. Sutton, Thompson etc.. were all senior, mature players who had a strong influence within the dressing room and Strachan felt he had to make changes to take control of the dressing room and mould his own team, which is perfectly understandable.

I just don’t get why he seems to have a real dislike for the young player. Even last season, when McGeady had a terrific year and won almost every player of the year award available in Scotland, Strachan was always lukewarm in his praise for McGeady, and while he certainly recognised his ability, he was never animated in his conversations regarding his player.

Although, he was open enough in a BBC interview, prior to his appointment as Celtic boss, when he called McGeady a “traitor” and said he should be “hung, drawn and quartered” over his decision to represent Ireland rather than Scotland.

The poor McGeady/Strachan relationship has bubbled away over the last three years and it it’s said that Tommy Burns was the ‘referee’ who stopped it boiling over during that time and perhaps the sad passing of Tommy Burns has simply allowed Strachan the chance to force McGeady’s hand. Although perhaps it is only now that Strachan feels he has enough control to engineer the end of McGeady’s time at Celtic Park.

McGeady was obviously wrong to shout abuse at the manager after the Hearts game, even if he did feel he was being unfairly singled out (as was the case earlier in the season, when Strachan banned him from the room during the post match talk after the Rangers defeat).

To be honest, I don’t really care if Celtic win,lose or draw every week and I am more concerned that Irish players are playing regularly, progressing and thus improving our chances on the international stage, and for McGeady, just like Darren O’Dea, their international prospects would be better served, if they are far away from Parkhead.

I don’t think McGeady will ever be a superstar, but at 22 and with a wealth of experience behind him, the right team and manager could mould him into a very important player for Ireland in the future.

Marc Wilson shines in Pompey debut

Ireland international Marc Wilson basked in a fine full Portsmouth debut but then declared: I want to go out on loan.

The 21-year-old from Co. Antrim, who had previously made just one substitute appearance for the first team, was handed his first start in an unfamiliar right-back role in last night's 3-0 UEFA cup win over Heerenveen.

But after an impressive all-round display that also included an inch-perfect cross for Peter Crouch's opener, the Republic of Ireland under-21 international revealed he was again keen to leave Fratton Park in a loan deal to gain more first-team experience.

In Wednesday night’s meaningless three-goal UEFA Cup victory over the Dutch side Heerenveen, Adams gave a full first team debut to 20-year-old Marc Wilson and later added the best possible endorsement of his talents a young defender could hope to receive.

Adams played the young Irishman at right back and after a nervous first five minutes he settled down to lay on one headed

And after the 6 ft 2 inch youngster earned the man of the match accolade from most neutrals in the press box Adams revealed: 'His attitude was very good - and he’s not even a right back.'

Wilson, who has previously enjoyed loan spells at Bournemouth and Luton, said: 'The manager has told me I'm part of his plans but I think both of us want to get me out on loan to play some football.

'We've got Glen Johnson who is a great right-back and has been different class for us this season so I think it will be very hard for me to get into the team at this moment in time. So I think the best thing is for me to get out on loan and play some football, although if the chance comes along to play in the team, of course I will take it.

'I've spoken to the gaffer and he thinks it would be a good idea to go out and get some experience at a Championship club.'
Although Wilson is predominantly a central midfielder or a centre-back, he slotted in effortlessly at right-back and produced a succession of inviting crosses – particularly in the first half.

Wilson said: 'It was great to be out there playing.

'Right-back is not my position – generally, I'm a midfield player but I enjoyed every minute of it. But I wasn't very nervous before the game and I felt pretty comfortable.'

Speaking after last nights win, Portsmouth boss Tony Adans said:

“I was delighted with Marc Wilson. I think he’s got every chance. He’s two-footed, can head the ball and is quick and strong.

“He put in some tremendous crosses from right-back, but I do see him as a centre-back. I think he can do it in the Premier League as a central defender.

“He needs to be playing every week. Unfortunately I think the best thing for me to do with him is to get him out on loan, maybe to a Championship side. I don’t think reserve-team football is probably good enough for him to learn his trade.

“He’s that close, but obviously at the moment he’s not better than Glen Johnson, Sol Campbell or Sylvain Distin.

“His attitude is fantastic. He wants to train and is the first one out and last one in.”

Given and O'Shea among FAI shortlists

Shay Given, John O'Shea and Kevin Doyle were short-listed for the senior international player of the year at today's announcement of the 19th eircom/FAI International Awards.

Bohemians dominate the League of Ireland awards with two of the three nominations after their double winning season. Owen Heary and Brian Murphy are joined by Keith Fahy, who starred for St. Patrick's Athletic this season including strong performances in the club's Uefa Cup games.

Reading striker Doyle, Manchester United's O'Shea and Newcastle goalkeeper Given were some of the best performers since Giovanni Trapattoni took over as Republic of Ireland boss.

The nominations were chosen by a panel from the Soccer Writers' Association of Ireland and are divided into a number of categories. They include a Hall of Fame Award, a Special Merit Award and an International Personality Award which will be awarded on the night.

The awards ceremony will take place on Sunday, February 8th in Citywest Hotel, Saggart, and all winners will be announced live on the night. The ceremony will be televised live on RTÉ Two with coverage from 8pm.

eircom/FAI 19th International Awards nominations:

Senior
Kevin Doyle - Reading
Shay Given - Newcastle United
John O'Shea - Manchester United

Young/U23
Aiden McGeady - Celtic
Andy Keogh - Wolves
Stephen Rice - Shamrock Rovers

U21
Owen Garvan - Ipswich Town
Stephen Quinn - Sheffield United
Darren O'Dea - Celtic

International Goal of the Year
Robbie Keane v Cyprus (H) 15/10/08
Andy Keogh v Serbia (H) 24/05/08
Kevin Doyle v Georgia (A) 6/09/08

League Of Ireland
Owen Heary (Bohemian FC)
Brian Murphy (Bohemian FC)
Keith Fahey (St. Patrick's Ath/Birmingham City)

U19 Nominees
Michael Spillane - Norwich
Brendan Moloney - Nottingham Forest
Garry Breen - Hereford United

U17 Nominees
Conor Hourihane - Sunderland
Ger Hanley - Salthill Devon
Aaron Doran - Blackburn Rovers

Ireland hints at Ireland return

Manchester City midfielder Stephen Ireland is ready to return to the international scene with Ireland, according to his father.

Michael Ireland claims his son wants to make himself available to Republic manager Giovanni Trapattoni in 2009.

The City star, who has been in superb form for his club this season, decided to opt out of international football after the controversy surrounding his withdrawal from the squad in September 2007.

Talking to the Irish Daily Star Sunday, Michael, 39, said: "The country needs him, he's a good player and he'll go back in his own time.

"He's just focusing on his family right now and Man City. He's keeping his head down, but he'll be back hopefully next year."

He added: "I would never put pressure on him but I'd love to see him at the next World Cup."
Asked if he was considering a return himself, the Cobh-born 22-year-old added: "Yeah, but I'm trying to keep my head down at the moment."

Criticism was heaped on Ireland when he asked to return home early before a crucial Euro 2008 qualifier against the Czech Republic claiming his grandmother had died, as it later transpired that he lied about the death because his partner had miscarried.

Ireland's next game is a World Cup 2010 qualifier against Georgia at Croke Park in Dublin on February 11.

Stephen Quinn hoping for Ireland call up

After receiving glowing references from his club manager, Sheffield United midfielder Stephen Quinn is confident that he can attract similar attention from Ireland manager, Giovanni Trapattoni.

Last month, Kevin Blackwell and United's academy director Ron Reid both praised the 22-year-old after his stunning strike in the 5-2 demolition of Charlton, and voiced concerns about Quinn's failure to receive a call up to the full Ireland squad since the beginning of Trapattoni's reign.

However Quinn, who is expected to make his 23rd start of the season in United colours when Burnley visit Bramall Lane tomorrow, believes that more competent displays like the five-star showing at The Valley will eventually thrust him firmly into the Italian's thinking.

"I played a lot for the (Ireland] under 21s last year, so I am looking to step up into the full squad," Quinn admitted.

"I just want to concentrate on playing for Sheffield United, who pay my wages, but I would love to play for Ireland - it would be a dream come true.

"I can play out there on the left or in the middle, I am not fussy and would give an arm and a leg to play any where the manager wants me."

Of course, appearing regularly on the stage of the Barclays Premier League would do Quinn's international prospects no harm – his last call-up to the full Ireland squad coming after goals against Aston Villa and Portsmouth during United's ill-fated top flight campaign two seasons ago.

Last week's draw against Ipswich – current employers of Quinn's brother Alan - at Portman Road saw United slip to 5th, but the Dubliner is confident of adding to his four-goal tally and outlined what he believes he brings to the team.

"With me not been the quickest, I like to link up with the strikers, whilst I always work hard and do my best," he continued.

"I am also keen to contribute a few more goals during the second half of the campaign.

"The body is feeling great at the moment and hopefully if I can keep playing regularly at club level then I may be included in the next squad."

Steve Carr announces retirement from football

Former Ireland international Stephen Carr has announced his retirement from football.

The 32-year-old has been without a club since his contract ran out with Newcastle United at the end of last season.

Carr began his career at Tottenham Hotspur in 1993 where he established himself as one of the best right backs in the Premier League.

The Dubliner moved to Newcastle United in 2004, although he only played 78 times over four years due to a persistent knee injury.

Injury also prevented Carr from travelling to the 2002 World Cup in Korea and Japan with Mick McCarthy's squad.

Carr won 44 caps for the Republic of Ireland and also represented his country at Schoolboy, Youth, Under-18 and Under-21 level.

Georgios Samaras: It won't be long until Cillian Sheridan is first pick

Comeback man Georgios Samaras has hailed Irish hitkid Cillian Sheridan for his superb stand-in performances leading the line for Celtic.

The fit-again striker is set to push the Co. Cavan 19-year-old back on to the bench for Tuesday's Champions League crunch in Aalborg - but reckons it's only a matter of time before Sheridan is one of the first names on the team sheet.

Hoops boss Gordon Strachan was forced to throw his rookie in at the deep end for the Champions League doubleheader against Manchester United after an injury crisis robbed him of Samaras and Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink.

But the Irish kid took on the task brilliantly and went on to clock up a run of nine games including his starring role in the recent SPL victory over Kilmarnock when he scored a double.

During that time Samaras, who hurt his knee on international duty with Greece in October, was working behind the scenes to help the Parkhead prodigy with advice and encouragement.

And the 23-year-old admitted watching Sheridan emerge from the shadows to claim a first-team jersey was no surprise to those who train with him every day.

Georgios said: "Maybe people were surprised but I'm not. We worked together in pre-season and he has talent.

"He has the ability to be a striker for many years at Celtic. He's a natural and there's lots more to come from him.

"When you see a kid with his ability you are just waiting for him to explode.

"Now he has grabbed his chance he has a big future."

It's fair to say Samaras sees a lot of himself in Sheridan having made his first-team debut for Dutch side Heerenveen when he was just 17.

Perhaps that's why the Greek star has been so keen to work with him in training. Samaras said: "I was 16 when I went to Holland and after one year I played my first game so I know exactly how Cillian is feeling.

"That's why I try to help him. It's difficult when you are so young and start to play for the first team.

"You need somebody by your side who will try to help you.

That's important.

"So I have been talking to Cillian all the time in training, telling him when to ask for the ball, how to keep the ball, everything.

"We worked together during pre-season and when you see such a talented player all you can do is try to push him to do more and more. You do that because you can see he has the ability."

Ireland 2-3 Poland

Giovanni Trapattoni tasted defeat for the first time as Ireland boss despite a remarkable late fightback against Poland.

Leo Beenhakker's Poland side looked to be heading for a comfortable victory at Croke Park when substitute Roger Guerreiro added a 47th-minute second goal to skipper Mariusz Lewandowski's early opener.

But having earlier seen midfielder Damien Duff pass up three glorious opportunities, Ireland belatedly discovered their touch in front of goal to set up a tense finish.

Substitute Stephen Hunt reduced the deficit with an 88th-minute penalty, and after Robert Lewandowski had restored his side's two-goal advantage, fellow newcomer Keith Andrews marked his senior international debut with an injury-time strike.

Despite a rousing finish, however, Trapattoni's men were left in little doubt as to the task ahead of them when they return to action next year.

Three wins and as many draws from his first six matches, and seven World Cup points from a possible nine, had given the Italian a creditable start to his reign.

But just as a nation started to dream of South Africa 2010, Poland turned up to remind the the 69-year-old and his players, if ever they needed it, that the job has only just begun.

Trapattoni handed senior international debuts to substitutes Andrews and Noel Hunt and a first start to Caleb Folan on a night which saw Kevin Kilbane win his 92nd cap to move into second place in the country's all-time appearance list.

While the manager always intended to use the game to look at some of the emerging members of his squad, he admitted he would have one eye on the result, and to that end, he will have had mixed feelings as he headed for the dressing room at half-time.

Hull City striker Folan, deputising for injured skipper Robbie Keane, was a real handful for the Polish defence, and linked nicely with both partner Kevin Doyle and wide-men Duff and Andy Keogh.

However, it was Mariusz Lewandowski who proved the most potent force in either penalty area during the opening 45 minutes.

His third-minute glancing header from Lukasz Gargula's free-kick put his side ahead with Folan unable to prevent him opening the scoring, and the towering midfielder was left criminally unmarked as he met Jacek Krzynowek's 27th-minute corner but this time, could not hit the target.

Indeed, the visitors, roared on by a sizeable proportion of the Polish community currently living in Ireland, might have had the game won by the break had lone striker Pawel Brozek not passed up a golden opportunity five minutes before the break.

Richard Dunne, who had dashed back to Manchester to be with his pregnant wife last night before returning to Dublin this afternoon, miscued a clearance into Brozek's path, but then recovered superbly to dispossess him before he could shoot.

But for all Poland's impressive play going forward, they too looked vulnerable at the back, and they were grateful that Duff had left his shooting boots back on Tyneside.

He lifted a fifth-minute right-foot shot high over after Doyle and Folan had created space for him, and then fired wastefully into the side-netting as he ran on to Doyle's 29th-minute pass.

Duff did well to work his way into a shooting position after combining well with Folan two minutes before the break, but he slipped as he went for goal and skewed his effort well wide.

Beenhakker made two changes at the break and one of the new arrivals, Guerreiro, wasted little time in making an impact.

The Brazilian-born midfielder had only been only the pitch a little more than a minute when he ran on to Gargula's flick and dispatched a left-foot shot emphatically past Shay Given and into the bottom corner.

It should have been 3-0 with 59 minutes gone when Robert Lewandowski fired wide from close range, although the real fireworks were still to come.

Trapattoni made five second-half substitutions and Beenhakker four, and the result was explosive.

Alex Bruce headed just over and Shane Long saw a looping effort cleared off the line by defender Dariusz Dudka, and Ireland's reward finally came with two minutes remaining when Stephen Hunt converted from the spot after Long had been felled by Tomasz Jodlowiec.

Robert Lewandowski's 89th-minute strike killed the Irish celebrations in their infancy, but Andrews left his mark on an astonishing end to the game in injury-time.

If Trapattoni is happy - then I am too - Darron Gibson

Praise from Ireland coach, as well as Red Devils boss Ferguson, is all that really matters to Darron Gibson

Darron Gibson didn't read a newspaper or listen to a radio show after he made his Croke Park debut in last month's World Cup qualifier against Cyprus.

He got a pat on the back and a 'well done' in the ear from the men who matter most in his career, Giovanni Trapattoni and Alex Ferguson, and that's what is truly important to the 21-year-old.

Trapattoni caused some degree of surprise by choosing the United rookie -- who only made his Premier League debut for United in Saturday's thrashing of Stoke City -- in central midfield for the clash with Cyprus, Derry native Gibson getting the nod ahead of more experienced men like Andy Reid, Liam Miller or Joey O'Brien.

Most observers agreed that the Irish central midfield of Gibson and Glenn Whelan didn't exactly light up Croke Park on the night and Gibson was roundly criticised for his display against the Cypriots.

But the United man, likely to win another cap against Poland on Wednesday, told the Herald that criticism doesn't affect him.

"I didn't read anything that was written or said about me after the Cyprus game," said Gibson, who came on as a second-half sub in United's win over Stoke.

"I don't care what is said about me. As long as I do the business for my manager and play well, I am happy.

EXPERIENCED

"And I know that I did that against Cyprus. Mr Trapattoni came up to me after the game, said I did well and that I was very much part of his plans and that meant a lot to me, coming from such an experienced manager.

"And when I went into training the next day, Alex Ferguson took me aside, said he had seen bits and pieces from our match in Dublin, that I had done well and to keep it up. So, if those two experienced managers are happy with me, then that's good enough for me," added Gibson, who played 90 minutes for his club in their midweek Carling Cup win over QPR last Tuesday.

"Cyprus went well for me, in my opinion. Myself and Glenn Whelan were picked to do a job and we did that job. We played okay and we won the game.

"I heard that the two of us in midfield got a bit of stick but we did what the manager asked us to do and in football I don't think you can do any more.

"It was a big thing for me, to start a game at Croke Park. I know I am young and still learning the game, but I feel I will only improve from the experience of games like that.

"The manager only told me on the day of the game that I was starting for certain. There was stuff in the press and on the radio the day before that I might play. He didn't make a big fuss of playing me, he just named the team from one to 11 and I was in it.

"Even though it had been rumoured that I might play, I was still in a bit of shock. The idea of starting a World Cup game for my country at Croke Park, and such an important game, was a big thing for me.

"I know the manager took a risk in starting me against Cyprus as I am not as experienced as other players in the squad. He took a bit of stick from the press over that, but he doesn't care; the media don't faze him at all. He knows what he wants to do and he sticks with it."

Trapattoni has shown so far in his seven-month reign as Ireland coach that loyalty is a vital part of his make up. Do the business the way he wants and you will keep getting chances, as people like Whelan, Andy Keogh and Kevin Kilbane have found out.

And Gibson hopes that stays true for the next few games at least, starting on Wednesday against the Poles,

"It's a big game for people like myself and Glenn Whelan," says Gibson. "At the moment, I am not playing too many games for my club and Glenn's not a regular with Stoke right now, so we need to play and do well against Poland to stay in the Ireland team.

"It's not so long before the next qualifier, against the Georgians in February, and I think I need a good game, if I am selected against Poland, to stay in the team.

"There is a slot available in the Irish side as Steven Reid is out injured and will be out for a while. I had the chance in the last game against Cyprus and it's up to me to try and keep myself in the team," added Gibson.

One problem for Trapattoni is that so few of his central midfielders are getting regular game time with their clubs: Gibson, Whelan and Liam Miller have all struggled to get starts in the Premier League this season, while those who do play more regularly (Joey O'Brien, Andy Reid, Rory Delap and Lee Carsley) all failed to make the squad.

That's why it's important for Gibson, now in his fifth year at Old Trafford, to push on with his club career. And just as an injury to Steven Reid has opened up a slot in the Ireland team for Gibson, the same could happen at club level with injury ruling out United duo Owen Hargreaves and Paul Scholes.

"I would never wish bad luck on anyone and it's terrible for the club to see Hargreaves missing the whole season. I hope he gets back, but it does give me some chance," added Gibson, who showcased his talents with a rare 90 minutes in the 1-0 win over QPR.

TOUGH

"It was a tough enough game for us. We had to work hard to win it but I think we deserved it in the end.

"There's been a lot of talk about the new generation of Arsenal players, how good their youngsters have been in the Carling Cup when they've played, but I think the United team and our younger players did pretty well against QPR. It would be nice if we got some of the good press that Arsenal get for playing their youngsters.

"It was good for me to get the 90 minutes under my belt. I've had a couple of sub appearances for United before, but never a full game, so that was a big boost to my confidence. The fact that the manager started me and kept me on for the whole game meant a lot to me. For me, it was a step closer to the first team and me being involved on a more regular basis."

United have twice sent Gibson out on loan, both times for a whole season, to Wolves and also the Red Devils' continental feeder club Royal Antwerp. Gibson may take another loan move -- but if that happens it's likely to be with another Premier League club.

He said: "I will leave things as they are until Christmas and see what happens. I plan to have a chat with the manager over the next few weeks to see what his plans are.

"If I can get another appearance or two under my belt between now and the New Year, it will strengthen my case to stay and try to get into the team, but it's his call.

"I know that I need to be playing games. If the manager wants to keep me here for the whole season and sees me as part of his plans, then of course I will stay, but if he thinks that I need a bit more time on loan, then I will go on loan."

Coyle calls for McCann call-up

Burnley boss Owen Coyle has called on Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni to end Chris McCann's international exile.

McCann has not figured for Ireland since walking out of the U-21 squad in November 2007 when he was named on the bench for a European Championship qualifier.

The former Home Farm player has produced some storming displays in Burnley's midfield this season, including a goal-scoring performance at Reading last Saturday.

Former Ireland international striker Coyle believes the 21-year-old is good enough to be considered for the senior set-up.

"The Republic of Ireland must have an unbelievable abundance of quality for Chris not to be involved at any level," said Coyle.

"I think he is getting better and he is showing great maturity. I believe he's capable of playing in the Premier League and being involved with the Republic of Ireland.

"I know he is desperate to represent his country."

McCann has already played over 100 games for Burnley and has been a driving force in their climb up the Championship table.

And despite being overlooked for Ireland's 'B' friendly against Nottingham Forest on Thursday, the Dubliner has not given up hope of forcing his way back into international contention.

McCann said: "A 'B' squad has been announced and I'm not in it but I won't get too down about it. As long as I am playing well hopefully something will happen sooner rather than later.''

Doyle extends Reading contract

Reading and Ireland striker Kevin Doyle has signed a new deal which will keep him at the club until the summer of 2011.

The 25-year-old told the club website: "We wanted to act now and then concentrate fully on the season.

"The club and I didn't want any uncertainty in January. We wanted to clear things up now and then just try to get back into the Premiership."

Doyle signed for the Royals from Cork City in 2005. He has scored 11 league goals in 15 games this season.