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Ireland unchanged for Cyprus trip

Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni on Friday named an unchanged squad for the World Cup qualifier against Cyprus in Nicosia on September 5.

The Italian has selected the same 24 men he did for the 3-0 friendly defeat by Australia earlier this month.

Ireland are currently in second place in Group Eight, a point behind world champions Italy having played a game more.

After the match in Nicosia, Ireland will then play a friendly, against South Africa at Thomond Park in Limerick, three days later.

Ireland squad:

Goalkeepers: Shay Given (Man City), Keiren Westwood (Coventry), Joe Murphy (Scunthorpe)

Defenders: John O’Shea (Man Utd), Kevin Foley (Wolves), Richard Dunne (Man City), Stephen Kelly (Fulham), Kevin Kilbane (Hull), Eddie Nolan (Preston), Sean St Ledger (Preston)

Midfielders: Aiden McGeady (Celtic), Damien Duff (Fulham), Darron Gibson (Man Utd), Glenn Whelan (Stoke), Keith Andrews (Blackburn), Liam Miller (Unattached), Stephen Hunt (Hull), Andy Keogh (Wolves), Liam Lawrence (Stoke)

Strikers: Caleb Folan (Hull), Kevin Doyle (Wolves), Robbie Keane (Tottenham), Shane Long (Reading), Leon Best (Coventry).

DUBLIN (AFP)

Tags: aiden mcgeady, andy keogh, caleb folan, Damien Duff, darron gibson, fulham, giovanni trapattoni, HULL, Ireland, ireland squad, Italy, joe murphy, john o shea, John O'Shea, Keith Andrews, kevin doyle, kevin foley, Kevin Kilbane, Leon Best, Liam Lawrence, liam miller, Limerick, man city, Nicosia, Preston, republic of ireland, richard dunne, Robbie Keane, Sean St, Shane Long, Shay Given, st ledger, Stephen Hunt, Stephen Kelly, thomond park, world cup qualifier

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Aussies hand ´severe´ lesson to Ireland

Republic of Ireland coach Giovanni Trappatoni described his team’s 3-0 international friendly defeat to Australia as a “severe lesson”.

Tim Cahill’s brace shortly before half-time, taking his international tally to 18 in 34 games, and David Carney’s wonder-strike from 30 yards dealt a psychological blow to Trapattoni ahead of their three remaining World Cup qualifiers.

The Italian coach believes the superior condition of Pim Verbeek’s side was the key factor in the visitors’ win.

“It was a severe lesson for us,” Trapattoni admitted. “I am a little bit disappointed like the team, but in pre-season this situation can happen.

“It is normal against a team that is 40 percent more fit. The players sometimes don’t understand that but in 30 years I know that.

“I questioned myself before how many players can play 90 minutes with a good performance.”

The lesson Trapattoni felt needed to be learned ahead of their World Cup qualifier in Cyprus on September 5 is likely to be a reference to the slack defending which left them two-down at the break.

In the 38th minute, Cahill took advantage of a two against two at the back, feeding Scott McDonald down the inside-right channel.

The Celtic striker passed back to the Everton midfielder 20 yards out and his low left-footed strike wrong-footed Shay Given to put his side in front.

Then a minute before the interval, Aiden McGeady lazily looked to take a ball in his stride on the left wing but was beaten to it by Rhys Williams who raced into box and turned Kilbane before firing a shot at Given.

The Irish keeper could only parry the ball back into the danger area and Cahill was there to power home.

Though 2-0 was flattering enough at the break, it could have been an even greater lead for the visitors had Harry Kewell not headed over Mark Bresciano’s free kick at the back post, after which the Galatasaray man pleaded for a penalty for Damian Duff pulling his shirt.

Verbeek was understandably delighted with his team’s performance though he admitted it flattered them a little.

“We played well defensively we were well organised, we won most of the first balls and were in control,” Verbeek said.

“We have players who work hard and have special abilities. I’m very pleased with the result, but I think 3-0 was too much.”

The nearest Ireland came to getting on the scoresheet was when substitute Keith Andrews’ low 88th minute strike from the edge of the area came back off Mark Schwarzer’s right post.

Prior to Cahill’s first strike, the game was an even affair with McGeady the best player on view. Twice midway through the half he created openings, moving inside from the left flank to set up Irish chances.

A measured cross-field ball enabled Duff on the right wing to cut inside the area onto his left foot, but Carney deflected his effort wide. ‘

Then a neat pass into the box found Robbie Keane, but after turning Patrick Kisnorbo well he was denied by Schwarzer.

Ireland created few chances in the second half with Stephen Hunt’s left-footed effort, after Robbie Keane’s neat backheel, which skewed wide summing up a very disappointing first international football game for the home fans at Thomond Park.

LIMERICK, Ireland (AFP)

Tags: Australia, Cyprus, damian duff, danger area, david carney, Duff, everton, free kick, giovanni trappatoni, harry kewell, international tally, Keith Andrews, left wing, Limerick, Mark Bresciano, mark schwarzer, mcgeady, Patrick Kisnorbo, pim verbeek, republic of ireland, rhys williams, Robbie Keane, scott mcdonald, shay, Shay Given, slack, Stephen Hunt, striker, thomond park, tim cahill, world cup qualifier, world cup qualifiers

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Friday’s Transfer Rumors

‘Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has met with John Terry and believes the defender is happy to stay at Stamford Bridge despite talk of a £30m offer from Manchester City. The Blues plan to make Terry their best-paid player.’ – The Sun

‘City are increasingly confident of tempting Terry to Eastlands despite Chelsea’s offer of a new contract which would make the 28-year-old England captain their highest-paid player.’ – Daily Mirror

‘Meanwhile, City have given Barcelona striker Samuel Eto’o 24 hours to sign for them or miss out on becoming the best-paid player in English football.’ – Daily Mirror

‘Barcelona have stepped up their pursuit of Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas after club president Joan Laporta claimed signing the £40m-rated Spaniard is high on their agenda this summer.’ – The Sun

‘Fabregas is at the centre of a potential bidding war between Barcelona and Real Madrid.’ – Daily Mirror

‘Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has attempted to quell speculation over the futures of Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano by insisting both players “owe Liverpool a lot”.’ – The Sun

‘Sunderland manager Steve Bruce has made a club record £12m bid for Darren Bent.’ – Daily Mirror

‘Former Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira has no intention of joining Birmingham.’ – The Sun

‘Aston Villa boss Martin O’Neill is facing a battle to keep John Carew as Tottenham prepare a £5m bid for the striker.’ – Daily Mirror

‘Everton are preparing a new £4m bid for Sheffield United right-back Kyle Naughton, who is also attracting interest from Aston Villa.’ – Daily Mirror

‘Stoke are willing pay a club-record £6m for Rennes midfielder Stephane Mbia.’ – The Sun

‘Stoke boss Tony Pulis will offer the French club £10m to beat off competition from Everton and Marseille for Cameroon international Mbia.’ – Daily Mirror

‘Manchester City midfielder Gelson Fernandes is joining St Etienne in a £2m deal.’ – Daily Mail

‘Wigan manager Roberto Martinez looks set to beat off competition from Hull for the signing of Swansea striker Jason Scotland.’ – The Sun

‘Blackburn want £3m for Fulham target Keith Andrews – more than double what they paid MK Dons for the midfielder’s services. – Daily Mirror

‘Sheffield Wednesday striker Marcus Tudgay has pleaded with the Owls to let him talk to newly promoted Premier League side Burnley.’ – The Sun

‘Coventry left-back Danny Fox is being chased by Celtic, West Brom, Reading and Nottingham Forest.’ – Daily Mirror

‘Barnsley could beat Norwich to sign out-of-favour Crystal Palace striker Alan Lee.’ – Daily Mirror

‘Bolton manager Gary Megson is planning to secure defender Gary Cahill on a new long-term contract before the start of the new season amid interest from Arsenal.’ – Daily Mirror

‘Plymouth manager Paul Sturrock is poised to smash the club’s transfer record with a £1m bid for Ipswich striker Danny Haynes.’ – Daily Star

‘Reading boss Brendan Rodgers is planning to raid former club Chelsea with a double loan swoop for defenders Ryan Bertrand and Jack Cork.’ – Daily Star

By: Abhimanyu Rajput

Tags: Alan Lee, aston villa, Barcelona, Brendan Rodgers, captain patrick, captain Patrick Vieira, carlo ancelotti, CHELSEA, CITY, crystal palace, daily mail, daily mirror, Danny Haynes, Darren Bent, English Premier League, everton, fabregas, fulham, gelson fernandes, Jack Cork, Jason Scotland, Javier Mascherano, joan laporta, John Carew, Keith Andrews, LA Liga, Ligue 1, manchester city, Marcus Tudgay, Marseille, martin o neill, mbia, Norwich, patrick vieira, Paul Sturrock, Plymouth, rafael benitez, roberto martinez, samuel eto o, Serie A, sheffield united, st etienne, Steve Bruce, Sunderland, tony pulis, xabi alonso

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Keane earns Ireland friendly stalemate with Nigeria

LONDON (AFP) – Robbie Keane saved the day for Ireland, the Tottenham captain producing the equaliser to earn Giovanni Trapattoni’s side a 1-1 draw with Nigeria in Friday’s friendly at Craven Cottage.

Michael Enemaro bought beleaguered Nigeria coach Shuaibu Amodu some precious breathing space with a fine goal in the 30th minute to put his team in front.

Eight minutes later Keane plundered the a deserved equaliser for Ireland.

Trapattoni will have been reasonably satisfied with his evening’s work as he prepares for next Saturday’s World Cup qualifier in Bulgaria, where they can all but rubber-stamp a top-two finish in qualifying Group Eight.

Even so, the Italian might have been disappointed that his in-form side could not have disposed of a Nigeria team stripped of John Mikel Obi, Joseph Yobo, Obafemi Martins and Chinedu Obasi through club commitments or injuries.

In truth, most of the players looked as if they would rather be on the beach resting their aching limbs than turning out in south-west London, and entertainment was at something of a premium for the supporters who turned the stadium into a sea of green.

What little urgency there was came mostly in the first half. Ireland might have taken the lead early on when Keane’s canny through-ball almost set up Leon Best, only for the debutant to be beaten to it by goalkeeper Austin Ejide.

That set a suitably frustrating tone for Best. The Coventry striker, making his international debut, was then denied in the 27th minute by a last-gasp sliding tackle by Sam Sodje and then hit the post with a header from point-blank range.

Best was given a masterclass in finishing from Enemaro. The midfielder swept in a fine first-time shot after being picked out 12 yards out by Femi Olubayo’s fine cross from the right.

That should have given Nigeria a platform for victory, but Ireland were level by the break. A cute pass from Keith Andrews found Keane in the area and, once the Ireland skipper had rounded Ejide, the equaliser was inevitable.

Ireland might have been ahead before half-time, only for Best to strike the post from point-blank range with a header, but they maintained their momentum after the break.

In the 52nd minute, Ejide’s poor clearance was seized by Shane Long and the Reading striker lobbed back towards goal. The goalkeeper only just made his ground in time to palm behind.

There were few chances worthy of the name as the game ground to a close, as both teams made a spate of substitutions to keep legs fresh for more pressing engagements in the days to come.

Amodu, who was severely criticised after Nigeria opened their World Cup qualifying campaign with a goalless draw against Mozambique, has a high-profile friendly with France in Saint Etienne on Tuesday but of even greater importance is the World Cup qualifier against Kenya in Abuja on 7 June.

Defeat there cannot be countenanced, so Nigeria’s sturdy performance here – albeit with a largely second-string side – will have cheered the coach.

Tags: abuja, aching limbs, Austin, breathing space, bulgaria, club commitments, craven cottage, debutant, equaliser, France, giovanni trapattoni, international debut, Ireland, john mikel obi, joseph yobo, Keith Andrews, kenya, last gasp, Leon Best, london, masterclass, Michael Enemaro, Mozambique, nigeria, nigeria team, obafemi martins, obasi, point blank range, qualifying group, Robbie Keane, Sam, Shane Long, south west london, west london, World Cup, world cup qualifier

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Man City plans to get more from Robinho

MANCHESTER, England (AFP) – Manchester City manager Mark Hughes is determined to surround Robinho with enough world-class talent to help the Brazil star shine more regularly next season.

Robinho has often been criticised for failing to live up to his club record 32.75 million pounds price tag since his shock move from Real Madrid in August.

But, despite questions about his appetite for the more mundane fixtures in the Premier League, Robinho is still in contention to end as the division’s top scorer.

The forward is finishing the campaign with a real flourish and took his tally to 15 goals for the season in the 3-1 win over Blackburn on Saturday that kept City in the hunt for a Europa League place.

Hughes concedes that his star player has not always lived up to his billing but feels Robinho can improve even further next season.

He said: “Robbie’s an easy target. He’s a high profile player and he’s got a price tag that people will highlight and it’s understandable and predictable.

“On occasions he’s disappointed but he’s not the only one and on occasions we’ve all disappointed ourselves and our fans.

“But he’s an outstanding talent and he played well again against Blackburn and scored an outstanding goal.

“We’re delighted that he’s here and the key is to bring more players that will enable us to grow as a team and enable Robbie to shine as brightly, if not more so, next year.”

Hughes accepts that his side have been inconsistent during the current campaign but feels that they will benefit from their struggles.

He added: “People can see that we’re a good side when we’re in full flow and we can produce good football.

“We’ll try to add quality in the summer and if we can do that we’ll build on what we’ve done this year.

“If you look at the make-up of our team going into most Premier League games, invariably we lack Premier League experience by virtue of the fact that players have come in from other leagues and players will benefit from the events of this year and have a better understanding of what the Premier League is all about.”

City enjoyed a comfortable three-goal lead at half-time thanks to goals from Felipe Caicedo and Robinho and Elano’s penalty.

Blackburn pulled one back when Shay Given saved El-Hadji Diouf’s penalty and Keith Andrews tapped in the follow-up.

Rovers are still not guaranteed Premier League safety and remain six points above the relegation zone with three matches left.

Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce is confident that Benni McCarthy and Chris Samba will both be fit for next Saturday’s crucial home game against Portsmouth.

South Africa forward McCarthy came off at half-time with a foot injury and Samba was substituted with a similar problem midway through the second half at Eastlands.

One more win is likely to be enough to take Rovers to safety and Allardyce is hoping the duo will be available for the run-in.

“Benni could have played on but he kicked the bottom of somebody’s boot after a few minutes and at 3-0 down, we decided not to risk him.

“Chris Samba complained about his foot being sore and we just wanted to make sure they were fit for next week.

“The situation we’re in with our injuries is a concern but we’ve got next week to get everybody fit and hopefully get the three points that we’re looking for.

“We’re just hoping we can get everybody fit for the game next week. It’s about us doing what we need to do and there are games of football that need to be won.

“We want to control our own destiny by winning games and not rushing to the television and hoping that other teams have slipped up as well. We want to make sure we do that next week and if we get three points it’ll be in the bag.”

Tags: blackburn, brazil, Chris Samba, contention, criticised, easy target, England, English Premier League, felipe caicedo, flourish, high profile, Keith Andrews, league experience, MADRID, man city, Manchester, manchester city, manchester england, Mark Hughes, Portsmouth, premier league games, price tag, profile player, real madrid, Robbie, Robinho, Sam, Shay Given, shock move, South Africa, star player, tally, top scorer, virtue

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Man City´s South American trio kill off Blackburn

MANCHESTER (AFP) – Felipe Caicedo, Robinho and Elano were on the scoresheet as Manchester City boosted their challenge for European football next season with a 3-1 victory over Blackburn on Saturday.

Sam Allardyce’s Rovers had the better start at Eastlands but it was a banner day for City’s South American contingent and Ecuador striker Caicedo opened the scoring from close range for his seventh of the season.

City moved two in front when Robinho shot through a crowd of bodies in the 34th minute for his 15th goal of the campaign and his compatriot Elano added a third from the spot in first-half added time to give City a comfortable cushion.

Blackburn trimmed City’s lead when Keith Andrews touched in after Shay Given saved El-Hadji Diouf’s penalty.

But they did not find a second goal to really pressure City and remain six points above the Premier League’s bottom three with three games remaining.

In contrast to Blackburn’s struggles, City are just one point behind seventh placed West Ham, who fill the final spot for a place in the Europa League.

Relegation-threatened Blackburn once again employed giant Congo centre-back Chris Samba as a striker and the visitors made the better start.

Samba caused plenty of early problems for the City defence and the Australian midfielder Vince Grella forced a fine save from Given with a curling effort from 20 yards after he had beaten Vincent Kompany.

And midway through the opening period, Richard Dunne’s poor clearance was met by veteran Turkish midfielder Tugay just outside the area but he could only drive wide.

In the 27th minute, City took the lead when Blackburn failed to deal with a corner from Elano.

Andre Ooijer’s clearance from six yards bounced off Nedum Onuoha and Kompany played a short pass to Caicedo who finished from close range.

Eleven minutes before the break Kompany’s header was blocked after Elano crossed from the left but Robinho swept a shot past goalkeeper Paul Robinson to double the advantage.

Blackburn desperately attempted to regain a foothold in the game and Dutch defender Ooijer flashed a shot well wide from 30 yards.

Three minutes before the interval Diouf sent over a cross from the right and South African forward Benni McCarthy’s header flew just over Given’s crossbar.

But in first half added time, Blackburn gave away a soft penalty when Stephen Ireland was sent into the area and his low cross was handled by French defender Gael Givet.

Elano sent Robinson the wrong way from the spot to send City in 3-0 ahead at the interval.

McCarthy had suffered an early injury and had to be replaced at the interval by Chilean winger Carlos Villanueva, but Rovers continued to struggle and Robinho almost added a fourth when he curled a shot just wide from the edge of the area.

Tugay hit a tame shot straight at Given, but with 25 minutes left Blackburn were handed a lifeline when Onuoha was penalised for a challenge on Morten Gamst Pedersen in the area.

Diouf’s weak spot kick was easily saved by Given but substitute Andrews stabbed in from close range with the follow-up.

Tags: Andre Ooijer, banner day, Chris Samba, close range, compatriot, Congo, Eastlands, Ecuador, el hadji diouf, elano, eleven minutes, English Premier League, felipe caicedo, Keith Andrews, man city, Manchester, manchester city, Morten Gamst, onuoha, paul robinson, relegation, richard dunne, Robinho, s south, Sam, sam allardyce, scoresheet, Shay Given, start samba, vince grella, Vincent, vincent kompany

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Blackburn edge closer to safety

BLACKBURN, England (AFP) – Blackburn edged a little closer to Premier League survival with a battling display to earn a 1-1 draw with West Ham at Ewood Park on Saturday.

Substitute Keith Andrews salvaged the point for Sam Allardyce’s side after Mark Noble had given the visitors a first-half lead.

With Roque Santa Cruz sidelined by a knee tendon problem, Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce recalled Benni McCarthy to his starting line-up, while New Zealander Ryan Nelsen was also back in the fold, at the expense of Zurab Khizanishvili.

West Ham’s defence was disrupted by the loss of Matthew Upson, victim of a calf injury.

McCarthy, whose last league start dated back to February 7, could have been on the scoresheet as early as the fourth minute but was frustrated by James Tomkins as he attempted to convert a close range chance.

That set the tone for Blackburn to dominate the opening exchanges but after Stephen Warnock had spurned a decent half chance, it was West Ham who took the lead, ten minutes before the interval.

Luis Boa Morte got clear on the right flank before cutting the ball back for Diego Tristan. The Spaniard rolled a neat pass into Noble’s path and the midfielder produced an accomplished finish, finding the far corner with the outside of his boot.

Blackburn replaced Andre Ooijer with Andrews at the break and it was the substitute who fired the home side back on level terms, six minutes after his entrance.

Morten Gamst Pedersen’s long throw generated chaos in the Hammers box and when the loose ball broke to Andrews, the substitute blasted in from eight yards.

Blackburn continued to threaten until the final whistle with Pedersen going close and El Hadji Diouf coming within inches of connecting with a Jason Roberts flick with the goal gaping. But Allardyce’s side were unable to conjure up the second goal that would have secured all three points.

Written by: AFP

Tags: Andre Ooijer, benni mccarthy, calf injury, Diego Tristan, England, English Premier League, Ewood Park, far corner, gamst pedersen, hadji, half chance, james tomkins, jason roberts, Keith Andrews, Luis Boa, luis boa morte, Mark Noble, matthew upson, Morten Gamst, Noble, ryan nelsen, Sam, sam allardyce, santa cruz, scoresheet, stephen warnock, west ham, zurab khizanishvili

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Ireland boss Trap salutes captain marvel Keane

DUBLIN (AFP) – Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni has hailed Robbie Keane’s match-winning display against Georgia as proof of the quality that Liverpool failed to recognise.

Keane’s second-half double ensured Ireland claimed a controversial 2-1 win over the Georgians and moved joint top of group 8 alongside Italy.

It also served as a reminder of the striking qualities that appeared to go unnoticed during Keane’s unhappy six months at Liverpool prior to his recent return to Tottenham.

Trapattoni said his skipper had displayed real character. "He has not played every week, but he played here tonight in front of 50,000 in a World Cup qualifier, and you could see he enjoyed it," the Italian said. "Robbie was very important for us."

Georgia boss Hector Cuper claimed his side were robbed of at least a point after Ireland were awarded a dubious second half penalty.

Keane converted to cancel out Georgia’s shock first-minute opener and then claimed the winner four minutes later.

The Georgians had every reason to feel aggrieved when Finnish referee Jouni Hyytia, taking charge of his last competitive international, awarded a penalty for a handball from a pass that was destined for Keane in an offside position. To add insult to injury the ball appeared to strike Ucha Lobjanidze’s shoulder.

Cuper was restrained in his comments, accepting that his team had been under sustained pressure at the time of the controversial decision.

"I don’t know if we lost the match because of the penalty awarded by the referee but it cost us a point," he said. "The situation was strange because no-one knew why it was given.

"Of course, the players were very angry and I can say it effected their concentration. It influenced negatively the morale of the team."

Cuper added: "In the first half, the match was equal. In the second half, unfortunately, we couldn’t manage to maintain the rhythm.

"I was concerned before the game because Georgian players were still in preparation after the winter break and I knew it would make it difficult for us in the second half. But for the most part we managed."

A mix up in the Irish defence involving third-choice right-back Stephen Kelly, allowed Karlruhe striker Alexander Iashvili in for the softest of goals after a good flick by David Siradze.

The Irish team looked stunned for the remainder of the opening quarter until a Keith Andrews goal on his competitive debut was ruled out midway through the first half.

Ireland were shocked again in the 58th minute when Iashvili thought he scored a second only for the referee to rule offside.

But it was their last major scare before the controversial penalty and a fine diving header four minutes later took Keane’s international tally to 37 goals.

Trapattoni accepted the penalty was fortunate but refused to see it as a turning point as his team pummelled the Georgian defence for the majority of the second half.

"I think we got the luck but every Sunday in every country there are situations like this," said the Italian.

"In the first half we deserved not lose. But I think we deserved to win because it is not easy to get a great reaction from the team like we got in the second half."

Trapattoni admitted his players had been demoralised after being booed off the pitch at half-time by sections of the home support.

"I gave them a positive message," he said. "I said to them play the ball simple, simple, simple – but quickly. It was difficult because there were 19 players within 30 metres.

"They had three midfielders we had two but in the second half we won lots of ball. That was very important."

Written by: AFP

Tags: AFP, Alexander Iashvili, boss, concentration, controversial decision, David Siradze, dublin, four minutes, Georgia, georgians, giovanni trapattoni, handball, hector cuper, insult to injury, Ireland, Italy, Jouni Hyytia, Keith Andrews, Liverpool, offside position, opener, referee, reminder, rhythm, Robbie, Robbie Keane, six months, skipper, Stephen Kelly, tottenham, World Cup, world cup qualifier

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Keane at the double for Ireland

DUBLIN (AFP) – The Republic of Ireland recovered from the shock concession of a goal after 51 seconds to go joint top of World Cup qualifying Group 8 with Italy – but needed a controversial penalty decision to go their way deep into the second half along the way.

Robbie Keane’s conversion of the spot kick raised Ireland’s confidence at a crucial stage of the game and the Ireland captain, sent back to Spurs having failed to impress at Liverpool, added a second four minutes later to prove his personal point.

The Georgians had every reason to feel aggrieved when Jouni Hyytia, taking charge of his last competitive international, awarded a penalty for a handball from a pass that was destined for Keane standing in an offside position.

To add insult to injury the ball appeared to strike Ucha Lobjanidze’s shoulder.

Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni accepted the penalty was fortunate but refused to see it as a turning point as his team pummelled the Georgian defence for the majority of the second half.

"I think we got the luck but every Sunday in every country there are situations like this. "In the first half we deserved not lose. But I think we deserved to win because it is not easy to get a great reaction from the team like we got in the second half," Trapattoni said.

Georgia coach Hector Cuper was restrained in his comments accepting that his team had been under sustained pressure at the time of the controversial decision.

"I don’t know if we lost the match because of the penalty awarded by the referee but it cost us a point. The situation was strange because no-one knew why it was given.

"Of course, the players were very angry and I can say it effected their concentration. It influenced negatively the morale of the team," Cuper said.

After the early goal, Georgia caused uncertainty in the Irish rearguard but were almost caught out by a scintilating 60-yard run by Aiden McGeady followed by a shot requiring a fine diving parry by Giorgi Lomaia.

"I am satisfied with the performance," Cuper insisted.

"In the first half, the match was equal. In the second half, unfortunately, we couldn’t manage to maintain the rhythm. I was concerned before the game because Georgian players were still in preparation after the winter break and I knew it would make it difficult for us in the second half. But for the most part we managed," the Argentinian said.

A mix up in the Irish defence involving third-choice right-back Stephen Kelly, allowed Karlruhe striker Alexander Iashvili in for the softest of goals after a good flick by David Siradze.

The Irish team looked stunned for the remainder of the opening quarter until a Keith Andrews strike on his competitive debut was ruled out midway through the first half.

Ireland were shocked again in the 58th minute when Iashvili thought he had scored a second only for the referee to rule offside. But it was their last major scare before the controversial penalty and a fine diving header four minutes later giving Keane his 37th international goal.

Trapattoni blamed a crowded midfield for his side’s laboured struggle for the points.

"It was difficult because there were 19 players within 30 metres. They had three midfielders we had two but in the second half we won lots of ball. That was very important," the Italian said.

While his team now sit level with world champions Italy, doubts still linger about the ability of the Irish team to take on high-level opposition ahead of next month’s potentially pivotal encounter in Dublin against Bulgaria.

Written by: AFP

Tags: AFP, Alexander Iashvili, bulgaria, charge, concession, controversial decision, controversial penalty, David Siradze, dublin, four minutes, Georgia, georgians, giovanni trapattoni, handball, hector cuper, insult to injury, Ireland, Italy, Jouni Hyytia, Keith Andrews, Liverpool, mcgeady, offside position, personal point, referee, republic of ireland, Robbie Keane, second half, spurs, Stephen Kelly, turning point, World Cup, world cup qualifying group

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McCarthy to the rescue for Rovers

BLACKBURN (AFP) – Benni McCarthy made amends for failing to convert a penalty by scoring the late equaliser that capped a Blackburn fightback to earn a point against local rivals Bolton in a 2-2 draw.

Despite going two goals down, Blackburn managed to avoid a first defeat under Sam Allardyce when South African striker McCarthy pounced four minutes from time to add to Stephen Warnock’s strike just after the hour mark.

Against his former club, Allardyce opted to restore fit-again duo Jason Roberts and Andre Ooijer to the starting line-up, at the expense of Roque Santa Cruz and Danny Simpson.

Brett Emerton and Keith Andrews also started, ahead of Aaron Mokoena and Martin Olsson, while Bolton had skipper Kevin Nolan back from a two-match ban and on-loan defender Sebastien Puygrenier making his first start.

It was Bolton who made the brighter start and it was no surprise when Matt Taylor slid in to convert a cross from Ariza Makukula, on loan from Benfica, after 15 minutes.

The visitors then doubled their lead ten minutes before the break through Kevin Davies.

Gretar Steinsson had been involved in the build-up to the opening goal and he also provided the foundation for the second, driving in a low cross that was missed by Nolan at the near post.

Davies spotted the opportunity however and, although his first effort was blocked by Rovers goalkeeper Paul Robinson, the striker was able to slot home the rebound.

There was little sign of Rovers mustering a fightback until eight minutes into the second half, when the hitherto anonymous McCarthy played Warnock in behind the Bolton back four and the left-back produced a fine strike to beat Jaaskelainen.

Five minutes later, substitute Roque Santa Cruz was pulled down by Jaaskelainen, who dusted himself off to save McCarthy’s penalty low to his right before blocking the rebound.

The South African had the final say however as he made amends for his spot-kick miss by tapping into an empty net from close range after Jaaskelainen had denied Jason Roberts.

And Blackburn almost snatched all three points at the death when captain Ryan Nelsen headed a Steinsson free-kick from the right against the post in injury time.

Written by: AFP

Tags: aaron mokoena, Andre Ooijer, benfica, benni mccarthy, blackburn, brett emerton, captain Ryan Nelsen, close range, Club, Danny Simpson, English Premier League, equaliser, fightback, jason roberts, Keith Andrews, Kevin Davies, Kevin Nolan, makukula, Martin Olsson, matt taylor, Nolan, paul robinson, roque santa cruz, Sam, sam allardyce, santa cruz, Sebastien Puygrenier, south african striker, starting line, stephen warnock

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