Robbie Keane, Richard Dunne and Kevin Doyle will battle it out for the title of senior international player of the year at Sunday's 2010 FAI International Football Awards, it was announced today.
Darron Gibson, Aiden McGeady and Paul McShane have been nominated for the young player award.
The nominees for the International Goal of the Year are Glenn Whelan for his goal against Italy on October 10 last; Liam Lawrence’s strike against Australia in September 2009 and Robbie Keane strike against France in the World Cup play-off in Paris in November.
FULL LIST OF NOMINEES:
International Player of the Year
Robbie Keane
Richard Dunne
Kevin Doyle
International Goal of the Year
Glenn Whelan v Italy (10/10/2009)
Liam Lawrence v South Africa (08/09/2009)
Robbie Keane v France (18/11/2009)
Young International Player of the Year
Darron Gibson (Manchester United)
Aiden McGeady (Celtic)
Paul McShane (Hull City)
U21 International Player of the Year
Owen Garvan (Crystal Palace)
Alan Judge (Blackburn Rovers)
Seamus Coleman (Everton)
Airtricity League of Ireland Player of the Year
Paul Keegan (Bohemians)
Gary Twigg (Shamrock Rovers)
Rafael Cretaro (Bohemians)
U19 International Player of the Year
Lanre Oyebanjo (Histon FC)
Gavin Gunning (Blackburn Rovers)
Conor Clifford (Chelsea)
Under 17 International Player of the Year
Ciaran Gallagher (Finn Harps)
Stephen McDonnell (Dundalk)
Jeff Hendrick (Derby County)
U16 International Player of the Year
Shane Byrne (Leicester City)
John O’Sullivan (Belvedere)
Robert Maloney (St. Joseph Boys)
Senior Women’s International Player of the Year
Stefanie Curtis (Chelsea)
Aine O’Gorman (Peamount)
Niamh Fahy (Arsenal)
Ireland defender Marc Wilson revelled in his new-found responsibility at Portsmouth and insisted: I want the captaincy for keeps.
The County Antrim born Irishman was the surprise choice to lead Steve Cotterill's strongest side out for the pre-season friendly against Fulham last Saturday.
Despite being only 22, he was given the nod ahead of the likes of more senior players Michael Brown, Richard Hughes, Hayden Mullins, Tommy Smith and David Nugent.
For Wilson, it's recognition of the growing maturity from a player who in 12 months has established himself as a first-team regular.
The home-grown talent, who also skippered Pompey in Edmonton, has been one of four captains used during seven pre-season matches.
Wilson has also been called into Giovanni Trapattoni's Ireland squad for the friendly international against Argentina next week.
But Wilson is determined to cling on to that armband for Saturday's Championship opener at Coventry.
He said: 'The manager has been really good. He's just happy for me to go and play my game.
'He hasn't actually given me a reason why he's made me captain a couple of times during the pre-season.
'But I'm happy to accept the responsibility.
'I think it's a good chance for me and I think it will help me as well.
'It will help me mature as a player. It's giving me that responsibility of telling the other players what to do, talking to them, trying to gee them up.
'It's definitely a good opportunity for me and a bit of recognition, if you like.
'The captaincy means a lot to me because I love the club – I've been here seven years.
'I love doing it to be honest. I've been with this club since I was little and it's a privilege, it really is.
'I do a lot of talking and have been getting a sore throat shouting too many times! But it's all good and I'd love to keep it for the Coventry game.
'I just hope the players listen to what I am saying.'
Wilson grabbed the match-winner against Fulham during unquestionably Pompey's best performance of the pre-season.
Buoyed by the return of the likes of Kanu, John Utaka and Prince Boateng – plus Ibrahima Sonko's debut – it was a timely shot in the arm ahead of the trip to Coventry.
And Wilson is looking for Pompey to carry that form into the season ahead.
He added: 'I think that Fulham performance was probably the best of the pre-season, especially as it was against Premier League opposition.
'Fulham are a good team, they did really well last year and had a strong team out.
'We always knew it was going to be a difficult game – so to get the result was even better.
'To be honest, the trip to America took it out of the lads a little bit with all the travelling.
'Even when we came back we were jet-lagged for a long time, especially for the Bournemouth game when the lads were still struggling with it.
'I think we are now all getting back and that showed against Fulham.
'I'm looking forward to the start of the season now.
'There are some tough games ahead and we have to be ready for them.'
The injury which ruled Robbie Keane out of Tottenham's pre-season trip to Portugal is not thought to be serious.
Keane reportedly sustained a knee problem, which meant he did not travel to Lisbon for Tuesday night's friendly against Benfica.
Ireland striker Keane has been repeatedly linked with a move away from White Hart Lane since spending the second half of last season on loan at Celtic.
Keane is due to celebrate his 100th international appearance for Ireland at the opening of The new Lansdowne Road stadium in Dublin on the 11th of August in a friendly international against Argentina.
The IFA have lost their case with the Court Of Arbitration For Sport in which they were trying to prevent Irish players born in the North Of Ireland from representing Giovanni Trapattoni’s Ireland at international level. Despite FIFA making a number of rulings in favour of players like Derry’s Darron Gibson and Antrim’s Marc Wilson, the IFA took their case to CAS in a last ditch attempt to block Irish citizens from representing their country.
The Football Association of Ireland today (July 30) confirmed that it has won the case taken to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) by the IFA in relation to Daniel Kearns.
The landmark ruling vindicates the FAI and FIFA position that players born within the island of Ireland are eligible to play for FAI international teams and provides complete and final clarity on the matter.
The Football Association of Ireland delegation which attended the hearing on July 19 in Switzerland was composed of John Delaney, CEO, Michael Cody, Honorary Secretary and Sarah O’Shea, Legal Director. The FAI was represented by Paul Gardiner SC and David Casserly BL. Daniel Kearns was represented by Gary Rice of Beauchamps.
The FAI thanks the many bodies which assisted it in this case including the Irish Government, the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Tourism, Culture and Sport, the Olympic Council of Ireland, the Irish Sports Council, FIFA, UEFA, numerous elected representatives throughout the island of Ireland and many others.
The ruling comes into force with immediate effect and under the terms of the ruling, the IFA will pay all related costs. The FAI would like to take the opportunity to highlight that it has in recent years had good relations with the IFA. Those were maintained throughout this case and will continue into the future.
Welcoming the ruling, FAI Chief Executive John Delaney said;
“Today’s landmark decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport confirms the FIFA and FAI position on player eligibility. The ruling upholds the right of individual choice on this matter for players born north of the border. I would like to thank the many people from all parts of the island who were strongly supportive during this process, and in particular, recognise the determination of Daniel Kearns and his family to uphold his right as an Irish citizen to play for his country.”
Sean McCaffrey has unveiled his Under-19 squad for the double-header friendly against Ukraine in Dublin on Monday, August 9 and Wednesday, August 11.
Manchester United winger Robbie Brady, part of last season's Under-19 squad which brought their qualification bid to the final game of elite stage, is chosen along with his Old Trafford clubmate Sean McGinty, who captained the Irish Under-17s last term.
Republic of Ireland Under-19 Squad
Sean McDermott - Arsenal
Aaron McCarey - Wolverhampton Wanderers
Declan Walker - Wrexham
John Egan - Sunderland
Joe Shaughnessy - Aberdeen
Anthony O'Connor - Blackburn Rovers
Sean McGinty - Manchester United
Derrick Williams - Aston Villa
Carl McHugh - Reading
Daryl Horgan - Salthill Devon
Shane Byrne - Leicester City
Stephen McDonnell - Dundalk
Jeff Hendrick - Derby County
Liam Irwin - Bolton Wanderers
Craig Walsh - Shamrock Rovers
Stephen Folan - Newcastle United
Patrick McEleney - Derry City
Robbie Brady - Manchester United
Michael Rafter - Colchester United
Ryan Connolly - Derby County
Ireland Under-17 manager Sean McCaffrey has announced a squad of 18 players to participate in the upcoming eight-nation friendly tournament in Hungary from August 4-7.
McCaffrey and his panel will fly to Budapest on Monday to prepare for the opening fixture two days later, August 4, against Croatia in Telki (17.00 hrs).
Ireland Under-17 Squad
Joe Coll - Manchester United
Ian Lawlor - Manchester City
Sean Kavanagh - Belvedere
Luke Gallagher - Cherry Orchard
Pierce Sweeney - Belvedere
Joe O'Brien - Salthill Devon
Steven Smith - Arsenal
Tommy Hoban - Watford
Conor Pepper - Portmarnock
Kenneth McEvoy - Tottenham Hotspur
Gareth Brady - Belvedere
Kealan Dillon - Derby County
Darragh Lenihan - Belvedere
Jack Grealish - Aston Villa
Carel TioFack - Ipswich Town
James Murphy - Reading
Philip Roberts - Arsenal
Sam Byrne - St Joseph's Boys
Giovanni Trapattoni has named a 28 man squad to take on Argentina in the first international football match in the Aviva Stadium on August 11.
Ireland v Argentina 11th August 2010
Shay Given
Keiren Westwood
Joe Murphy
John O’Shea
Richard Dunne
Sean St Ledger
Greg Cunningham
Kevin Foley
Marc Wilson
Stephen Kelly
Paul McShane
Darren O’Dea
Kevin Kilbane
Keith Andrews
Glenn Whelan
Darron Gibson
Paul Green
Liam Lawrence
Aiden McGeady
Andy Keogh
Damien Duff
Keith Fahey
Keith Treacy
Cillian Sheridan
Robbie Keane
Kevin Doyle
Caleb Folan
Shane Long
Ireland record goalscorer Robbie Keane has been told that he has every chance of playing a major role at Tottenham this season.
Keane was loaned out to Celtic during the Christmas transfer window after Harry Redknapp decided that he could get through the second half of the season without the Irish striker.
Redknapp has stated this summer that he would only consider letting Keane go out on loan again if the player was unhappy with his level of involvement at White Hart Lane.
Keane faces stiff competition for a place up front but it appears he has played his way back to the top of the pecking order after some impressive performances in pre-season.
The 30-year-old followed up his goal against New York Red Bulls by finding the target again in Sunday's 2-2 draw with Sporting Lisbon, and could now start Tottenham's Premier League opener at home to Manchester City on 14th August.
"His situation is that he is still a very, very good player," said Redknapp.
"He looked sharp and bright and he is still very much in the plans.
"He wants to start every game and if he keeps playing as he did today, he can do.
"It was a fantastic finish and he is a quality player, one of our better players.
"There is every chance he could start."
Ireland striker Daryl Murphy made a scoring debut for Celtic as a Parkhead XI beat Lincoln City 4-1 to lift the John Reames Memorial Trophy at Sincil Bank Stadium.
The home side took the lead in the 16th minute through summer signing Albert Jarrett, who blasted home following good work from Mustapha Carayol.
However, Murphy, signed recently from Sunderland, drove in the equaliser from the edge of the box in the 38th minute before Ben Hutchinson made the most of some hesitant Imps' defending to give the visitors the half-time lead. Two goals in as many minutes midway through the second half from Hutchinson and Simon Ferry completed the scoring.
Ireland u21 international Shane Duffy has made an astonishing return to training with Everton this week, less than two months after his life-saving operation in Dublin's Mater Hospital.
The courageous 18 year-old Derry man has made a miraculous comeback from an injury that almost cost him his life after suffering a laceration to his liver during a training game with the Irish Amateur side on this day two months ago when representing the Ireland senior international side in Malahide.
And having amazed medical staff at the Mater Hospital and, indeed, at Goodison Park, the Glendale Park lad said he was 'happy' with the rapid progress of his recovery.
While his teammates have jetted off on a pre-season tour to Australia, the talented 6' 4'' central defender returned to light training this week under the close supervision of the Everton medical staff in Liverpool and he is now looking forward to a quick-fire return to competitive action.
In fact, Duffy is expected to make a full recovery from his horrific injury and will be allowed to resume full-time training over the next four to six weeks.
Already this week he has been back running, having completed a nine mile jog on Monday before taking part in light cardio sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday as he concentrates on regaining fitness before working on the psychological and physical aspects of his rehabilitation.
While Duffy had enjoyed a relaxing time at home with his family over the last two months, taking in plenty of football with the World Cup on television and making an appearance at the Brandywell Stadium for the Derry City FAI Cup defeat against Shamrock Rovers, he admitted he was 'getting bored' and was growing impatient for a return to action.
"I'm just happy to be back training again," said Shane yesterday. "It was nice to get a rest and watch the World Cup Finals in South Africa on television and take in some local football while I was back in Derry. It was nice for a while, but I was really getting really bored to be honest.
"But time seems to have flown since I returned to Liverpool. I've been back since Wednesday last week and I'm enjoying training again," he added.
The former Foyle Harps player has eased himself back to training and while he initially found it difficult, he now holds the view that he will join up with his Everton Reserves teammates for competitive football as early as next month before securing a possible loan move to a Championship club to continue his professional development.
"I went on a long run on Monday which I found hard enough and I'm doing sprints now which is good. I'm well rested and feeling much better. The medical staff here at Everton say I'll could be back in training in the next four to six weeks.
"I won't be back in full training for another few weeks yet, I'm just concentrating on getting my fitness back at the minute, that's my first aim. I'll then start looking at playing a couple of matches with the Reserves and maybe then get a loan move for the rest of the season, so we'll see how things go. That's what I'm hoping for now anyway," he declared.
While Duffy, who was named Everton Reserves' 'Player of the Season' will be allowed to resume ball work over the coming weeks, 'Toffees' staff won't be in a major rush to get him back to competitive action.
Everton visit the Sligo Showgrounds on Sunday, August 8th, as part of the deal which took Killybegs native and Duffy's close friend, Seamus Coleman, to Merseyside early last year and the Derry teenager is hoping to be included in the Everton squad which will travel to that game.
Reminiscing on that dramatic week back in May when he lost around two thirds of his blood supply after rupturing an artery, Duffy is thankful to be alive and insists he is forever indebted to the Republic of Ireland's team doctor, Gerry McEntee and the medical staff in the High Dependency Unit at the Mater Hospital who acted swiftly to save his life.
"It was a crazy time, a crazy week," he recalled. "I'm just grateful to everyone in the (Mater) hospital for everything they did for me," he concluded.
The July edition of YBIG Ireland magazine is now available to read online. Interview with the hero of Windsor Park 1993 - Alan McLaughlin, Paul byrne interview, World Cup Nuggets,Qatar's World Cup 2022 (watch the video),Ybig skits and plenty more.click the link on the sidebar for this months edition
Ireland will play Norway in a friendly at the Aviva Stadium in November.
Giovanni Trapattoni's men, who will by then be four games into the qualifying campaign for Euro 2012, will face the Norwegians in Dublin on 17 November.
The sides last met in a friendly in Oslo in August 2008 when skipper Robbie Keane scored in a 1-1 draw.
Charlton and Ireland goalkeeper Darren Randolph has signed for Motherwell on a three-year deal
The 23 year-old comes recommend by former Scotland and Charlton player Christian Daily who speaks highly of the Bray born player.
The Ireland U-21 international had grown frustrated at a lack of first team action last season.
But after featuring and impressing in the club's last 11 games last season was expected to compete with the Addicks Rob Eliot for the No. 1 jersey.
Earlier in the week Motherwell boss Brown said his best bet of bringing in new faces lay with the sale of defender Mark Reynolds.
The 23-year-old Irishman is available under freedom of contract and former Scotland boss Brown has pulled off something of a coup in persuading Randolph to leave League 1 outfit Charlton.
Randolph has played at every level for Ireland youths and earned a B cap but has yet to make the full senior squad.
New Coventry signing Stephen O'Halloran is over the moon to have agreed his move to the club.
The Ireland u21 international full-back will officially join the Sky Blues on a free transfer from Aston Villa on July 1 and sign a one-year contract.
He told the club's official website: "I'm delighted to get the deal done. I had a meeting with the manager earlier in the week and he was very positive. He said he saw me play last season in the reserves and that he liked what he saw which was great for me."
Cork born O'Halloran, who has fought his way back to full fitness after two years out with knee problems, added he hopes to play a big part in a promotion push at the Ricoh Arena sooner rather than later.
"This is a big opportunity for me and it helps that the manager has a very positive outlook on the club," added the 22-year-old. "He will not be settling for mediocrity and I know he is desperate to get the club where it wants to be and that is the Premier League.
"It is obviously going to be one step at a time but I'm just looking forward to helping achieve that in any way I can."
RTÉ.ie will stream Ireland's clash with Spain in the final of the UEFA European Women's Under-17 Championship live on Saturday, 26 June.
The match will be available to view live on the RTÉ website for internet users in Ireland. The match kicks off in Nyon, Switzerland at 12.30pm Irish time.
The game will also be available on-demand on RTÉ.ie for seven days after the game.
Noel King's 'Girls In Green' provided a big shock on Tuesday when they knocked reigning champions Germany out of the competition at the semi-final stage, courtesy of a Megan Campbell free-kick.
Ireland's victory over Germany also ensured them a place at this year's FIFA Women's Under-17 World Cup, which takes place in Trinidad and Tobago from 5-25 September.
European Women's U-17 Championship Final - Ireland v Spain
www.rte.ie/live, Saturday, 26 June at 12.30pm
Republic of Ireland squad:
Grace Moloney - Reading FC
Amanda Budden - Wilton United FC
Jessica Gleeson - Tramore FC
Ciara O'Brien - Tramore FC
Jennifer Byrne - Bealnamulla FC
Megan Campbell - St. Francis FC
Tanya Kennedy - Finn Valley FC
Aileen Gilroy - Killala FC
Ciara Grant - Kilmacrennan Celtic FC
Dora Gorman - Salthill Devon FC
Siobhan Killeen - Raheny United FC
Stacie Jayne Donnelly - Reading FC
Denise O'Sullivan - Wilton United FC
Rianna Jarrett - North End Utd. FC
Niamh McLaughlin - Greencastle FC
Kerry Glynn - Montclair Thunderbolts FC
Harriet Archer Scott - Reading FC
Clare Shine - Douglas Hall FC
Wolves insist Stephen Hunt will return as good as before after dismissing fears of his injury.
The 28-year-old Ireland international completed his £3m move to Molineux yesterday on a three-year contract, despite being in rehabilitation for a damaged foot sustained against Wolves at the end of January.
Both the club and Hunt, who attended his press conference on crutches, steered away from setting comeback dates apart from confirming he will miss the first few games of the season.
Wolves’ concerns at Hunt’s injury – he had to have a ligament re-attached to his foot – and the subsequent price were believed to have been factors in the delay in getting the deal done.
But chief executive Jez Moxey and the club are satisfied Hunt will make a full recovery.
He said: “I accept that it’s unusual for players to be bought when they’re injured. But we’ve tracked Stephen for a very long time. He’s doing well in terms of his rehabilitation.
“Hull have been very open in providing us with his medical records and the surgeons who performed the operation are very satisfied with the rehab and progress he’s making.
“There are no complications. It’s just a question of time and Stephen will play when he’s ready.
“He started work with us yesterday and has been working out in the anti-gravity treadmill.”
Hunt initially played on for three weeks with painkilling injections, after initial x-rays revealed no damage and he didn’t see a foot specialist at the time.
But, when the pain continued, the Republic of Ireland international eventually underwent an exploratory operation which showed some damage, and a little bone was pinned.
He said: “I wouldn’t say it was mis-diagnosed, but it took a bit longer than expected.
“But I had an x-ray in my medical which showed everything is in place – Wolves wouldn’t have signed me without having a good look at that.
“People only need to look at my Prozone statistics and that will tell you enough.
“I know what I’m capable of and where I want to get to and I’ll make sure I get there.
“I’ll miss the first few games of the season. Hopefully it won’t be too many but for the next two months, I’m going to be working tirelessly.
“Everyone is happy and I’m over the worst of it now.”
Celtic winger Aiden McGeady looks set to call it a day on his Celtic career in what will be a major blow to new Hoops manager Neil Lennon.
According to a report in yesterday's Sunday Mail the Ireland winger has made up his mind to leave Parkhead, with the only consolation for Celtic being that they can expect to bank around £9m for their man.
Fans favourite McGeady broke into the Celtic first team six years ago and has developed into one of the most gifted players in the SPL.
But rookie Celtib boss Neil Lennon is resigned to losing his star man, with Russian side Spartak Moscow already having seen a bid of around £8m rejected by the Hoops.
Spartak are said to be ready to return to the table with an increased offer this week and while the Irish ace would consider a move to Russia his preferred option is to take his talents to England.
McGeady won’t be short of admirers in England, with Aston Villa, Spurs , Everton, Birmingham and Sunderland all tracking the want away Celtic star.
Birmingham boss Alex McLeish has already had a bid of £8m knocked back for McGeady in January but hasn’t given up hope of landing the Celtic star.
Former Hoops boss Martin O’Neill also has the wing ace in his sights. O’Neill gave McGeady his first team break in 2004 and with James Milner set for a £26m move to Manchester City has the funds to meet Celtic’s asking price.
McGeady is under contract until 2013 and new Celtic manager Neil Lennon recently came out and said it would take “ridiculous money” for him to part with the star, but the winger is hoping Celtic don’t price him out of a move by asking for silly money for his services.
Wolves will step up their bid to sign Hull City winger Stephen Hunt this weekend.
Mick McCarthy looks set to return to the Tigers to further strengthen his squad for a second Premier League campaign with a move for Hunt.
Despite recently hinting his interest in the Ireland winger may have waned, it is understood that McCarthy is determined to have him in his squad next season.
Hunt, who is married to the sister of Wolves striker Kevin Doyle, missed the latter stages of City's season with a foot injury which will also entirely rule him out of pre-season.
A potential return date has been estimated as October at the earliest, although there are some fears it could be Christmas before he is ready to make a full return.
But a source close to the player has told the Mail that initial discussions have been held between the two clubs in recent days during negotiations over Mouyokolo's move.
And it is thought those talks will advance with a view to a deal being struck for Hunt in the next seven days.
Hunt's injury, combined with City's obvious need to sell, will prevent the Tigers from securing anywhere near the £5m offered by Wolves in January for the recently-crowned player of the season. But it is thought Wolves could yet beat the £3.5m offer already made by West Brom.
Ireland u17 international Sean McDermott has signed professional papers with Arsenal this week. McDermott, who moved to Arsenal from IK Vaag last summer, featured in Vincent Butler’s u15 & u16 sides before moving up to Sean McCaffrey’s u 17 squad and played in Ireland's UEFA European Under-17 Championship qualifying campaign in March.
McDermott who is Norwegian-born, qualifies for Ireland via his Donegal born father, thus keeping the very strong connection between County Donegal and Irish goalkeepers, past and present, very much alive.
Official Arsenal FC statement:
Arsenal Football Club is delighted to announce young goalkeeper Sean McDermott has signed his first professional contract with the Club.
McDermott (17) was a regular in Steve Bould's Under-18s goal last season, making 12 appearances to help the team finish top of the FA Academy League Under-18 table.
Everyone at the Club is looking forward to the continued contribution and development of Sean with Arsenal in the forthcoming years.
Sean McCaffrey's Irish U19 team defeated Bosnia & Herzegovina 1-0 in their final European Championship qualifier courtesy of a Conor Clifford penalty in Kiev on Monday.
However that victory was not enough to secure qualification to this summer's finals in France as England sealed their place in the eight team finals with a 1-1 draw with Ukraine at the Borodinka venue in Kiev. Chelsea midfielder, Conor Clifford scored the only goal from the spot after 68 minutes- his second in as many matches as Ireland claimed second spot in group 3 ahead of European champions, Ukraine.
In a one-sided encounter, it was Ireland who created most of the scoring opportunities throughout the game as they looked to build on their goal difference which they hoped would help their qualification hopes had Ukraine defeated England 1-0.
Daniel Kearns had the games first real opportunity after 11 minutes when he skipped away from his marker on the right wing and his shot from the outside of his right-foot flashed agonisingly across the face of goal. Three minutes later, Conor Henderson tested their opponents keeper, Tino Divkovic with a stunning free-kick from 25 yards which the keeper tipped wide for a corner.
Mervue United keeper, Ger Hanley was called into action in the 15th minute when midfielder, Zlomislić powered a free-kick towards goal but the Galway man was on-hand to avert the danger. Galway United striker, Karl Sheppard had a glorious opportunity to open the scoring in the 24th minute when Conor Henderson cleverly chipped the ball over the defence which allowed Sheppard through one-on-one with Divkovic who raced off his line and blocked the powerful shot from point-blank range.
A minute later, Bosnia & Herzegovina striker, Pandza found himself in space inside the Irish box and with the goal at his mercy, he scuffed his shot and the ball dribbled wide of Hanley's post.
Arsenal's Conor Henderson had another opportunity to break the deadlock just before the break when his 25 yard shot was just off-target as Divkovic scrambled to cover his angles. Bosnia & Herzegovina defender, Alić was dismissed by the referee in the 44th minute when he performed a two-footed lunge on Irish midfielder, Daniel Kearns. The referee made no hesitation and gave the defender a straight red for dangerous play.
Ireland started the second half with the same vigor that they finished the first period. Chelsea's Conor Clifford had two remarkable long-range efforts within minutes of eachother as he struck the crossbar after 56 minutes from over 20 yards and two minutes later he had a similar effort which went just to the left and wide.
As Ireland pushed forward in numbers, it gave Bosnia & Herzegovina a number of opportunities to attack on the break and amazingly, striker, Pandza was guilty of missing another glorious chance as he fluffed his lines in front of Ireland's goal with just Ger Hanley to beat.
Bosnia & Herzegovina keeper, Divkovic was being kept busy by the attacking Irish and he pulled-off two remarkable saves, first from substitute Harry Crawford and then from Karl Sheppard who found space inside the box but the keeper was on-hand to scramble the ball clear and keep the game scoreless.
Ireland made the breakthrough in the 67th minute when Sunderland's Conor Hourihane won his side a penalty when he made a darting run into the opponents box and he was cynically hauled down by defender, Hadžić. Conor Clifford scored his second penalty in as many matches as he calmly put the ball to the keepers left to give Ireland the lead.
Ireland were unable to build on their lead in the final quarter of the game due to the stubbornness of the Bosnia & Herzegovina defence. Substitute, Ronan Murray looked very lively after his introduction after 69 minutes and he had an opportunity to score with ten minutes remaining but his shot was blocked by an on-rushing defender. From the resulting corner, Irish defender, John Dunleavy came agonisingly close when he headed over from three yards as he out-stretched his marker to get his head to the ball.
Republic of Ireland: Ger Hanley, Richard Towell, John Dunleavy, Sean McGinty, Shane McEleney, Conor Hourihane, Conor Clifford, Conor Henderson, Daniel Kearns, Shaun Timmins, Karl Sheppard.
Substitutes: Ian McLoughlin, Ronan Murray (on for Karl Sheppard,69 mins) , Stephen McDonnell, Andrew Boyle, Harrison Crawford (on for Daniel Kearns, 46 mins), James Keohane (on for Shaun Timmins, 33mins).
