| Del Piero fired up |
ALESSANDRO Del Piero took one look at Tallaght Stadium last night and summed up the challenge facing his Juventus team at the venue this evening. "This is pure football," declared the veteran Italian World Cup winner. |
| Jovanovic ready to fight |
Tonight's opponents go by the nickname of 'The Romantics', but forgive Liverpool if they don't share in the heartwarming cup story as they travel into Europe a full seven weeks earlier than they would have wanted. |
| King studs first squad with crown jewels |
NOEL King has included a number of big names in the first Ireland U-21 squad of his reign, with senior internationals such as James McCarthy, Cillian Sheridan and Anthony Stokes all called up. |
| Lennon optimistic despite heavy defeat |
Celtic are on the brink of crashing out of this season's Champions League after gifting Braga a three-goal cushion in last night's third qualifying round first leg. |
| McCarthy left out in cold as Ireland manager teaches young gun harsh lesson ahead of Argentina clash |
RECENT history suggests that it is unwise to miss a date with Giovanni Trapattoni unless you have exceptional reasons. James McCarthy learned that lesson the hard way yesterday. |
| Hodgson hangs on to hope of keeping Torres |
Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson has staked much of his summer planning on Fernando Torres spurning interest from Chelsea, Barcelona and Manchester City to remain at Anfield for at least one more year. |
| Irish boss warns Juventus 'to be careful' |
GIOVANNI TRAPATTONI believes Juventus will be taking Shamrock Rovers seriously in their Europa League clash at Tallaght Stadium tomorrow evening and has claimed the performances of his international team are a factor. |
| Campbell's £35,000-a-week Toon deal |
SOL CAMPBELL is expected to complete a move to newly promoted Newcastle within the next 24 hours after a medical on Tyneside. |
| Hoops roll up for Juve sell-out |
SHAMROCK ROVERS fans snapped up the precious tickets for Thursday's Europa League tie against Juventus last night, with the entire amount sold in one session after UEFA refused a request to install 4,000 extra seats in Tallaght Stadium. |
| Trap facing tough calls |
THE newcomers to Giovanni Trapattoni's squad for last May's training camp will effectively get their exam results today when the Italian names his selection for the upcoming friendly with Argentina, writes Daniel McDonnell. |
| Beckham happy in Los Angeles |
David Beckham has "no interest" in leaving the Los Angeles Galaxy and has had no contact with West Ham, a spokesman for the England star has revealed. |
| Fabregas torn over move |
Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas admits he is torn between a move to Barcelona or remaining in north London. |
| Hughes can emulate Hodgson at Fulham |
In an era where the mirage of foreign flair continues to obscure the chances for good domestic managers, Martin Jol's decision to say no to Fulham may has inadvertently done the game in this country a great service. |
| Ferguson hails United duo |
Sir Alex Ferguson has no intention of sending Javier Hernandez out on loan in his debut season in the Barclays Premier League. |
| Grant stands firm over Parker |
West Ham manager Avram Grant insisted sought-after midfielder Scott Parker will remain his Hammers' heartbeat. |
| Mouyokolo back in training |
Wolves' summer signing Steven Mouyokolo has returned to training after being sidelined for three weeks with an ankle problem. |
| Fulham to announce new boss |
Mark Hughes looks set for a return to the Barclays Premier League after Fulham confirmed they are on the brink of appointing their new manager. |
| Odense hit back at Baggies |
West Brom have been accused of trying to sign Eric Djemba-Djemba at a knockdown price by claiming the move from Odense broke down on medical grounds. |
| Hodgson: No pressure on kids |
Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson has urged his young players to grasp their chance to impress tonight. |
| Injury blow for Taylor |
Newcastle defender Steven Taylor is expected to be sidelined for the first three months of the new season. |
| Fergie defends unpopular Glazers |
Sir Alex Ferguson has launched a stout defence of Manchester United owners the Glazer family. |
| Fergie backs Hernandez to shine |
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes Javier Hernandez's pace could be a crucial weapon after the Mexico striker scored in his opening game for the club. |
| Delneri ready to make his mark after roundabout route to top |
JUVENTUS boss Luigi Delneri sits forward in front of the gathered media at Tallaght, his posture betraying some understandable confidence ahead of his side's clash with Shamrock Rovers this evening, but also a slight degree of caution. |
| Stewart in dream world as destiny leads to glamour date with Old Lady |
BELIEVERS in fate can draw encouragement from the chain of events which brought Thomas Stewart to Shamrock Rovers and, by extension, Juventus to Tallaght Stadium. |
| 'They had lads who'd been in the World Cup final that year. And we came close' |
Daniel McDonnell talks to Hoops legend Johnny Fullam about the good old days when Rovers struck fear into hearts right across Europe |
