Republic Celebrate 48 Year Milestone

The Republic of Ireland celebrated their first win over Scotland in Dublin in 48 years by lifting the inaugural Carling Nations Cup with an impeccable record after a round robin series that also involved Northern Ireland and Wales.

The Republic won all three matches and manager Giovanni Trapattoni will be particularly pleased that the team went through the tournament without conceding a goal.

This amounted to a magnificent tribute to a defence that was missing so many of Ireland's most experienced players and included a debutant in Stephen Ward for the final two matches against Northern Ireland and Scotland.

Most pleased of all, one suspects, was goalkeeper Shay Given. His season was ruined by a shoulder injury that kept him out of Ireland's most recent international matches and also ruined his prospects of winning back his number one spot with Manchester City.

The win over Scotland was achieved after a very difficult challenge from a committed Scotland who would not have been flattered had they achieved a draw.

Indeed Scotland dominated the final twenty minutes and will look back regretting the inability of their team captain, Kenny Miller, to convert their best opportunity. Miller had strong claims for a penalty denied but when he worked clear of the defence in the 88th minute he looked odds on to score but drove his shot wide as Stephen Kelly and goalkeeper Given put pressure on him.

Ireland's central defender, Stephen Kelly, was voted 'Man of the Match' and he said afterwards: "It was a great week for us and we are very pleased to have won the Carling Nations Cup.

"To win any international game is great and it will give us the confidence to go on now and concentrate on the UEFA match against Macedonia next Saturday.

"The good work we have done in the past week will stand to us and we will be hoping to take that into the game in Macedonia."

Ireland celebrated with champagne and ticker-tape at the presentation of the attractive new trophy. It was their first trophy win since 1986 when Ireland, under Jack Charlton, won a tournament in Iceland.

Team captain Robbie Keane illustrated once again just why he is a special talent by scoring the winning goal. It came in the 23rd minute when Keane took a pass from Paul McShane and ran from inside his own half before firing a left-foot shot under the body of goalkeeper Allan McGregor from 25 yards.

Keane's achievement brought his tally of goals to 49 in 107 internationals for Ireland, a return that places him amongst the most efficient goal-scorers in the international game. His total brought him level on goals scored with England's historic record-holder, Bobby Charlton.

Keane said afterwards: "The talk all week was of Bobby Charlton's record so it was nice to equal that but the important thing is that it is good to win any game and I believed we deserved to do that.

"The win will help to keep our confidence up and we can concentrate now on the upcoming game against Macedonia in the UEFA Championship and we must focus on that for Saturday.

"We've had a good week, we've won both our matches and we will hope to take that good feeling into our next match."

Scotland Win Carling Nations Final Spot

Scotland and Wales at AVIVA

Scotland had to come from behind to illustrate their superiority over Wales in the Carling Nations Cup at the Aviva Stadium but they were convincing winners by the final whistle.

Their win set up a cup final match against the Republic of Ireland on Sunday at the Aviva Stadium when the inaugural Carling Nations Cup will be decided.

Wales were forced to go into the match with a below-strength team but manager Gary Speed must have taken encouragement from the performance of his experimental selection. They converted the one clear scoring opportunity they had in an opening half when they were more positive and adventurous than Scotland.

Scotland were content to withdraw ten players regularly and bide their time to strike on the rebound in that period. They were more dangerous than Wales but, faced with a deficit, they were much more assertive in the second half and more effective as a result.

The Welsh goal sparked them into action after team captain Robert Earnshaw had struck with customary efficiency to punish a lax Scottish defence in the 36th minute.

Steve Crainey mis-timed an attempted headed pass to his goalkeeper allowing Earnshaw cut inside him to snaffle possession. Earnshaw slipped the ball past the challenge of Scott Brown and went on to chip a delightful goal with his left-foot over the advancing Allan McGregor.

This was the high point for Wales and it illustrated the scoring ability of Earnshaw. He suffered, of course, from a lack of service as Scotland controlled the second half but he was always a threat.

Once Scotland succeeded in equalising it was obvious they had the strength to go on and win it. And one was left wondering to what extent the decision to make three changes in the Wales team selection after 61 minutes facilitated a decisive swing in the trend of the game.

Scotland undoubtedly stepped up the pace of their game after the interval as well, of course, but the Welsh defence looked decidedly hesitant and less secure in the closing half-hour. Scotland plundered the goals to finish as convincing winners.

The equalising goal was claimed by James Morrison after 55 minutes. He cut in from the right onto a pass from Charlie Adam as Wales appealed in vain with Kenny Miller offside in a central position and Morrison perhaps in line. Morrison finished confidently across goalkeeper Myhill.

Ross McCormack was just over with an audacious attempt with a smashing volley from the excellent Steven Naismith's headed pass before Kenny Miller put them in front.

The build-up split the Welsh defence as Morrison turned provider. He raced onto Steven Whittaker's pass and cut the ball across to leave Miller with time to side-foot the ball into the net in the 64th minute.

The third goal was a cause for celebration as Cristof Berra scored his first goal for Scotland. He rose impressively outside the far upright to power in a header from another excellent delivery from Whittaker.

The stage is now set for a cup final clash between the Republic of Ireland and Scotland on Sunday (kick-off 6.30 pm) to decide who wins the inaugural Carling Nations' Cup. Wales will play Northern Ireland on Friday (kick-off 7.45 pm) to decide the third and fourth positions and both matches will be played at the Aviva Stadium.

Teams:

Scotland: McGregor; Whittaker (Bardsley 80), Caldwell (Hanley 84), Berra, Crainey (Martin 80); Naismith (Rangers), Brown (Scotland), Adam (McArthur 88), James Morrison (Robson 74), McCormack (Bannon 74); Miller.

Wales: Myhill; Eardley (Matthews 61), Morgan, Blake, Taylor (Gunter 46); Dorman (Cotterill 61), King (Ramsey 61), Tudur Jones (Vaughan 72), Easter; Earnshaw, Vokes (Steve Morison 72).

Missing Players Main Republic News

Marco Tardelli

The start of the Republic of Ireland's four-game programme, which includes a Euro 2012 qualifier in Macedonia on June 4, has been somewhat overshadowed by the failure of several players to report for duty.

Speaking at a fractious press conference initially arranged to review Tuesday night's 5-0 win over Northern Ireland, Marco Tardelli, Assistant manager, said: "Why do you always want to speak about these players? I prefer to speak about the other players, the players who played last night. Ask me about Simon Cox or the other players. They deserve it."

Wigan midfielder James McCarthy, Birmingham's Keith Fahey and Stoke trio Marc Wilson, Jon Walters and Glenn Whelan were all expected in Dublin for this week's Carling Nations Cup matches.

Tardelli said McCarthy, Wilson and Walters were definitely out injured but then suggested world football rules may be invoked ahead of the Macedonia game requiring them to report to Ireland medical staff.

When pressed further, he said: "Wilson - out. He has a problem, injured. Walters is out, injured. Whelan and Fahey, they will come. The other players, I don't know. They stayed at home. That has been clarified. Maybe on Thursday or another day they will see the doctor."

Celtic striker Anthony Stokes sparked the first controversy of the week by withdrawing citing tiredness, a move which infuriated manager Giovanni Trapattoni. McCarthy then failed to report for duty on Monday as expected and Trapattoni said the player had made no contact with him or returned any calls, a claim denied by Wigan manager Roberto Martinez.

The Republic then thrashed Northern Ireland at the Aviva Stadium but the issue was not eclipsed as Trapattoni revealed after the game that Wilson - who had originally been selected to play - and Walters were also missing.

Some statements from team management and the FAI have suggested they did not concur with some team assessments about injuries. But Tardelli insisted that was not the case.

He said: "James McCarthy has a problem, he is injured. His season was very hard, he played with an ankle problem. I believe him, I believe Stoke, I believe the other players but sometimes it is possible to come here, have it assessed with the doctor and then go back."

Scotland and Wales in Carling Nations

Scotland play Wales in the Carling Nations Cup on Wednesday at the AVIVA Stadium in Dublin aiming to maintain their 100 per cent record in the competition.

Craig Levein's men beat Northern Ireland in their opening game, while Wales lost to Republic of Ireland in their first match.Peterborough striker Craig Mackail-Smith is also unavailable due to his side's involvement in the League One play-off final.

Scotland are without regular captain Darren Fletcher as he is preparing for Saturday's Champions League final with Manchester United.

Kris Commons, Alan Hutton, Graham Dorrans and Craig Gordon are all unavailable through injury.

Leeds striker Ross McCormack is set to start his first Scotland game in nearly two years after ending the season well at Elland Road and he will partner Kenny Miller in attack.

Allan McGregor will start in goal with Christophe Berra, Gary Caldwell, Stephen Craine and Steven Whittaker making up the defence.

Scott Brown is expected to partner Charlie Adam in central midfield with Steven Naismith and James Morrison making up the rest of the midfield.

The Wales boss Gary Speed is expected to name a side made up mainly of Championship players as he does not want to risk any of his Premier League stars.

Speed, who is searching for his first win as Wales manager, will leave out new skipper Aaron Ramsey, Wayne Hennessey, Jack Collison, Danny Collins, Neal Eardley and David Vaughan after they all played for their clubs last weekend.

In Ramsey's absence Rob Earnshaw is set to captain the side in Dublin as he prepares to win his 53rd cap.

Aston Villa defender James Collins is missing with a groin injury and he joins Joe Ledley, Dave Edwards, Lewin Nyatanga and Ched Evans on the casualty list.

Speed is unable to call upon Swansea duo Ashley Williams and Joe Allen as well as Reading pair Simon Church and Hal Robson-Kanu due to their involvement in the Championship play-off final.

However, Swansea full-back Neil Taylor is set to play as he is suspended for the play-off clash.

Owain Tudur Jones, Craig Morgan, Andy Dorman and Jermaine Easter could all be involved after they were late inclusions in the squad.

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Republic Cruise to Carling Northern Win

Robbie Keane [etty Images]

Five goals was a handsome return for the Republic of Ireland as they punished a youthful Northern Ireland in the Carling Nations' Cup tie at the Aviva Stadium.

Five goals provided manager Giovanni Trapattoni with his biggest win with Ireland and the goals were also of special significance to three of the Republic's players.

Robbie Keane put the frustrations of a fragmented club season behind him with two goals - one from a penalty - to boost his aggregate with Ireland to a magnificent 48 from 106 matches.

Stephen Ward and Simon Cox produced impressive performances in their first international matches and benchmarked their contributions for Trapattoni with a goal each as well.

Northern Ireland were represented by one of the youngest selections ever to wear the international shirt and despite a bright opening ten minutes they were always second best. Their cause was rendered impossible when Alan Thompson was shown a red card when he conceded a penalty in the 53rd minute, a decision that seemed a little harsh.

The Republic moved three points clear of Scotland at the top of the Carling Nations' Cup table in this four-team tournament. Scotland will play Wales at the Aviva Stadium on Wednesday, May 25, and if they win then their match against the Republic on Sunday will decide the competition.

That was not on the players' minds, however, as they reflected on such a satisfying scoring performance and the knowledge that some of their football had been highly impressive.

Robbie Keane, whose disappointment at being withdrawn with the possibility of a hat-trick within his grasp, said: "It is always important to win and against our closest rivals we did that convincingly.

"I wanted to stay on as another goal would have seen me equal the English scoring record but instead Simon Cox stayed on and he got a debut goal so I am delighted for him."

Stephen Ward said: "Obviously it was nice to score a goal on my first start and it was a good night all-round. I have waited a long time for my debut and I enjoyed every minute of it."

Ward, who played at full-back but was originally a striker when transferred from Bohemians to Wolves, scored his goal following a corner. "I don't go forward for the corners for Wolves and to do so tonight and score was very pleasing.

"Now I will get my legs rested and see what will happen the rest of the week."

The Republic's match against Scotland will offer Trapattoni a last opportunity to look at the options that were presented to him by the impact several relative newcomers made against Northern Ireland. One of those was Simon Cox, the West Brom striker.

Cox hit a happy relationship with Robbie Keane immediately and the movement of both players and their combined play provided Northern Ireland's defence with continuous problems.

Said Cox: "It was a good win and I was delighted to cap it off with a nice goal. I was coming in to get to know the lads and the manager and the way we play and I set out to go out there and enjoy the game.

"Coming into a game of this stature was massive for me - I could see how important it was; everybody was geeing each other up before the game and the way everybody celebrated the goals it was obvious how important it was.

"I wanted to put in a performance to put my mark on the manager's card to get into the next squad and maybe into the squad for Macedonia."

Winning the Carling Nations' Cup is a major target in its own right and, to add to the significance of Sunday's match, the upcomiug European Championship tie against Macedonia on June 4 is the big focal point for Trapattoni and his squad.

Sunday's contest with Scotland will be watched with particular interest in that context. Seamus Coleman confirmed his obvious potential, Simon Ward and Kevin Foley looked razor sharp after a torrid season with Wolves while Keith Andrews returned after a long absence to play with customary authority and Simon Cox was hard-working and clever in his work.

In truth, all of the Republic's players could look back with satisfaction on their performances on a night when they took full advantage of Northern Ireland's inexperience and the kindly break of the ball.

This was illustrated most effectively just before half-time when Colman cut a ball powerfully across the face of goal and goalkeeper Alan Blayney threw himself forward to palm the ball away. His deflection caused the ball to crash into the legs of Craig Cathcart and back into the net.

This was the Republic's third goal and effectively took all the tension out of the contest. Stephen Ward scored the first in the 24th minute when Blayney parried a cross from Keith Treacy and Ward showed his striker's instincts by whipping the rebound home.

Robbie Keane claimed his first goal in the 37th minute with an ice-cool chip over Blayney as he pounced on a mistake by the youthful Lee Hodson. He had his second eight minutes into the second half when he converted the penalty after being pushed by Alan Thompson and Cox claimed the goal he deserved with a crisp finish in the 80th minute.

Republic of Ireland: Shay Given (Manchester City); Paul McShane (Hull City), Stephen Kelly (Fulham), Damien Delaney (Ipswich), Stephen Ward (Wolves); Seamus Coleman (Everton), Keith Andrews (Blackburn Rovers), Kevin Foley (Wolves), Keith Treacy (Preston North End); Robbie Keane (‘Spurs), Simon Cox (West Brom).

Substitutes: Liam Lawrence (Portsmouth) for Coleman 55, Andy Keogh (Wolves) for Keane 62, Stephen Hunt (Wolves) for Foley 70, David Forde (Millwall) for Given 72

Northern Ireland: Blayney (Linfield); Thompson (Watford), Cathcart (Blackpool), McAuley (West Brom), Hodson (Watford); Carson (Ipswich), Davis (Rangers), Clingan (Coventry City), Gorman (Wolves); McQuoid (Millwall), Feeney (Oldham Athletic).

Substitutes: Norwood (Manchester United) for McQuoid 46, Coates (Crusaders) for Gorman 55, Boyce (Werder Bremen) for Feeney 72, McGinn for Carson 72, Garrett (Linfield) for Davis 76.

Referee: Mr. Craig Thompson (Scotland)

Scorers:
Stephen Ward 24
Robbie Keane 27, 53 (pen)
Craig Cathcart (o.g.) 44
Simon Cox 79

Appeal to FIFA on Football Apartheid

A Northern Ireland fans group is appealing to Fifa to end what it calls the "football aparthied" in Ireland.

Fifa and the Court of Arbitration have ruled that NI-born players can opt for the Republic of Ireland.

The Amalgamation of NI Supporters' Clubs wants Fifa to have a re-think after Daniel Devine became the latest player to switch to the Republic.

It said the ruling gave the Republic an "unfair advantage" and accused the FAI of "poaching" players from N Ireland.

Fifa rules include a clause allowing players to change nationality once before they play a senior competitive match if they were born "on the territory of the relevant association".

The Good Friday Agreement of 1998 provided for Northern Ireland-born people to claim either British or Irish nationality.

Preston North End defender Devine has joined Darron Gibson, Shane Duffy, Marc Wilson, Daniel Kearns and Paul George in making the move to the Republic.

Amalgamation of NI Supporters' Clubs chairman Gary McAllister criticised the FAI in addressing the player drain to the Republic in an open letter.

"We believe this situation to be unique in world football, whereby one national association may select two jurisdictions worth of players," he said.

"Clearly this puts the Northern Ireland team at a disadvantage.

"For more than 50 years, the agreed and established practice of the two national football associations was always to select only those players with a territorial connection to either jurisdiction.

"It seems therefore that the FAI is using the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement as an excuse for breaking this longstanding policy.

"This FAI policy is driving a sectarian wedge between the two communities in Northern Ireland in regard to football.

"We are hugely proud to support a team that includes members of both traditions in Northern Ireland, and want to continue to do so.

"We want an end to Football Apartheid in Ireland."

The open letter comes ahead of Tuesday night's Carling Nations Cup game between Northern Ireland and the Republic in Dublin.

Carling Nations Cup Kicks Off

The presence of Seamus Coleman, Ciaran Clark and Jonathan Walters in Ireland's team to play Wales at the Aviva Stadium tonight (7.45 pm) underlines the value of matches outside the major championship qualifying ties.

All three young players will eagerly accept this invitation from manager Giovanni Trapattoni to make a case, in this inaugural Carling Nations Cup tie, for a regular place in Ireland's international squad.

Ireland's failure to qualify for the World Cup finals in South Africa was particularly heart-breaking because it was such a marginal failure. Now the search continues for players who might add that little extra to earn qualification for the UEFA finals of 2012 in Poland/Ukraine.

The next UEFA qualifying match is set for March 26 against Macedonia in the Aviva Stadium. Trapattoni will not have the opportunity of spending too much time with his players in the meantime. Tonight's match, and the days preparing for it, were particularly important for that reason.

The new players have had the opportunity of impressing the manager in training and now they can take that a step further by playing well against Wales.

All three newcomers will welcome the fact that they will be surrounded by experienced international players. The presence of so many of Ireland's first choice team will offer them confidence and improve their chances of producing their best form.

Ciaran Clark, playing in his first match at left-back, will be comforted by the presence of his team-match at Aston Villa, Richard Dunne, alongside him and by the presence of Damien Duff just ahead.

Seamus Coleman will, no doubt, have been well tutored by Trapattoni in what is expected of him in a defensive role on the right of midfield. The backing of John O'Shea at right-back will surely offer him the encouragement to exercise his attacking inclinations.

What better foil could any striker have than the remarkable Kevin Doyle ? Jonathan Walters, who played 45 minutes as substitute for Doyle in the friendly against Norway in November, will benefit by having the ultimate team player from Wolverhampton Wanderers as partner on this occasion.

Ireland, just like Wales, were denied the services of several first-choice players by injuries but this Irish selection is a strong one. They will need to be hard-working and focused against a Welsh team who will, themselves, go into the match with many incentives.

This will be Wales' first match under new manager, Gary Speed, and the players are bound to be keen to impress. And with a forthcoming match against England in the UEFA Championship on the horizon, Wales' players will desperately want to claim a first-team place.

What is equally certain is that this will be a very close and competitive match; contests with Wales always are.

The players on both sides are well-known to one another. Richard Dunne for Ireland will have his centre-back partner at Aston Villa, James Collins, on the opposite side; Kevin Doyle will be striving to put one over on his club colleague, Wayne Hennessy, in goal for Wales; Glenn Whelan and Jonathan Walters will undoubtedly come into close contact with their club colleague at Stoke City, Danny Collins.

Ireland last played Wales in the qualifying tournament of the UEFA Championship of 2008. They won 1-0 at Croke Park on March 24, 2007 and drew 2-2 in Cardiff on November 17, 2007.

Ireland conceded a late goal to lose 1-2 to Norway in November at the Aviva Stadium in their last match and they will be looking for a positive result here to set them up for the challenging game against Macedonia to come.

Bright performances from the newcomers, Ciaran Clark, Seamus Coleman and Jonathan Walters would offer further encouragement for the difficult UEFA qualifying campaign that stretches ahead.

The teams that start at the Aviva Stadium tonight will be:

Republic of Ireland: Shay Given (Manchester City); John O'Shea (Manchester United), Sean St. Ledger (Preston NE), Richard Dunne (Aston Villa), Ciaran Clark (Aston Villa); Seamus Coleman (Everton), Glenn Whelan (Stoke City), Paul Green (Derby County) or Darron Gibson (Manchester United), Damien Duff (Fulham); Jonathan Walters (Stoke City), Kevin Doyle (Wolves).

Wales: 1. Wayne Hennessey (Wolves); 2. Neal Eardley (Blackpool), 3. Sam Ricketts (Bolton Wanderers), 4. Danny Collins (Stoke City), 5. James Collins (Aston Villa), 6. Andrew Crofts (Norwich City), 7. David Vaughan (Blackpool), 8. Andy King (Leicester City), 9. Simon Church (Reading), 10. Robert Earnshaw (Nottingham Forest), 11. Hal Robson-Kanu (Reading).