ESPN Search

Robbie Keane is available to play for the Republic of Ireland in next week's international friendly at Wembley, as his LA Galaxy bosses belatedly granted him permission to link up with Giovanni Trapattoni's squad.

Republic of Ireland captain Robbie Keane has been forced to pull out of next week's glamour friendly against England at Wembley.

Frank Lampard has hailed Branislav Ivanovic as "a beast" and "a great man" after his goal won Chelsea the Europa League in Amsterdam on Wednesday night.

Chelsea striker Fernando Torres has claimed the club's premature demise in this season's Champions League acted as an inspiration in their drive to the Europa League final.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has described the standard of refereeing in this season's Champions League as "disastrous" and welcomed the news that goal-line technology will be introduced in the Premier League next season.

Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas believes his side's Europa League exploits this season have changed the attitude of English teams to UEFA's second string competition for good, despite their quarter-final exit at the hands of Swiss side FC Basel.

Malaga owner Sheikh Abdullah Bin Nasser Al-Thani has claimed 'racism' was the primary factor behind his side's dramatic Champions League exit at the hands of Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday night.

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew believes his side can still dare to dream of claiming a Europa League semi-final spot but admits the odds are now stacked against them after their 3-1 defeat against Benfica.

Sacked Premier League managers Martin O'Neill and Brian McDermott have emerged as leading contenders to succeed Giovanni Trapattoni as Republic of Ireland manager, ESPN understands.

Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni has admitted he could lose his job if his side slump to defeat in their crucial World Cup qualifier against Austria in Dublin on Tuesday.

Tottenham have been given the assurance that Gareth Bale won't be risked for Wales' World Cup qualifier against Croatia if he isn't fully fit.

Republic of Ireland defender Ciaran Clark is aiming to give his Aston Villa team-mate Andreas Weimann a tough night when Austria travel to Dublin for a crucial World Cup qualifier on Tuesday.

Republic of Ireland captain Robbie Keane has insisted he will not call time on his record breaking international career, as the striker has hit back at suggestions that his days at the top of the game are numbered.

Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni poured praise on midfielder James McCarthy after his man of the match performance against Sweden, just 24 hours after claiming the Wigan youngster 'lacked creativity' to perform at the highest level.

Wales star Gareth Bale confirmed he hopes play in next Tuesday's World Cup qualifier against Croatia, despite being withdrawn from the action after just 45 minutes on Friday night's game against Scotland at Hampden Park.

Republic of Ireland captain Robbie Keane has admitted his nation's hopes of qualifying for the 2014 World Cup finals will evaporate if they lose Friday night's crucial qualifier against Sweden in Stockholm.