Sorry about the lack of updates recently. I've been very busy. The U-20's were very unlucky to get knocked out of the tournament to the hosts Nigeria on penalties. Spain went on to win the competition against a surprise Japan in the Final.
Niall Quinn was rewarded for a fine season with Sunderland with a place in the PFA first division team.
Ireland play Sweden on Wednesday night at Landsdowne Road. This could be their last Ireland fixture before the autumn depending on what FIFA's committee on the Yugoslavia crisis decide to do about the deepening military situation in Kosovo. One of the options they have is to make Yugoslavia and Macedonia play their games on a neutral venue on the prearranged dates, but if they decide to expell Yugoslavia from the competition Ireland would be hot favourites to qualify from a weakened 4 team group needing only a draw in Croatia to qualify provided we beat Macedonia twice and Malta away.
The Republic of Ireland U-20's drew 3-3 with South Korea yesterday in IbadanThe game was played on a smaller than regulation pitch at the Society of African Missions' Seminary at New Bodije. Ireland fell behind to two early goals from the Koreans, but fought back through a Barry Quinn penalty, a fantastic strike from Liam George and Ireland then took the lead through none other than Robbie Keane but the Koreans came back in the dying minutes through Na Hee Kun. Brian Kerr summed this game up as a "useful exercise". The team now has two days to aclimatise to the hot Nigerian sun, before taking on one of the favorites for the tournament Mexico.
Tomorrow's game against Macedonia is only one of a series postponed due the NATO air strikes on Serbia. The Yugoslavia - Croatia game aswell as the Scotland - Bosnia game have also been postponed. The most likely date on which these will be played is October 9 next.
The FAI have accused UEFA of 'sitting on the fence with regard to the descision on whether the Macedonia match should be postponed. They have set a deadline of noon tomorrow on a descision, and said they would apply to FIFA to have the game postponed. The match could be played on October 9.
Following the political developments over the weekend it seems increasingly unlikely that the Macedonia game will proceed. UEFA are to make a statement on this matter within 24 hours. Despite this all the players are preparing as normal.
Lee Carsley completed his £3.25 million mve to Blackburn Rovers today. He joins fellow Republic of Ireland international Jason McAteer at Ewood Park.
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Today the FAI have asked their Macedonian counterparts to comfirm the accomodation in Skopje as there have been reports of overcrowding and people sleeping in the corridor, whaich would hardly be ideal preparation for an international match.
The FAI are also closly monitoring the increasingly dangerous political situation in the region as Skopje is a possible target for Yugoslave missiles in retaliation attacks against the proposed NATO air strickes of Yugoslavia. Skopje is the West's HQ in the region. However UEFA have given the green light for both the Republic - FYR Macedonia game and the Yugoslavia - Croatia game. The latter could be a crucial game for Ireland as if Ireland are to qualify for Euro 2000 these two countries need to take points off each other. The Republic are due to fly out on Thursday.
Middlesborogh have today completed the £700,000 signing of Keith O'Neill.
Mick McCarthy named his squad today for the Macedonia game. Both Rory delap and Jeff Kenna are injured and they have been replaced by Tottenham's Steve Carr and Middlesborough's Keith O'Neill.
Keith O'Neill is on the verge of signing for Middlesborough. The clubs have agreed a fee and all that is left now is for O'Neill to agree personnel terms. The fee, which shall remain undisclosed, is rumoured to be in the region of £500,000. This offer is a lot less than one Norwich turned down at the start of the season, but it at least guarantees them some money as O'Neill was due to leave on a free at the end of the season.
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