Written By Unknown on Minggu, 31 Agustus 2014 | 23.06
Updated: Sunday, 31 Aug 2014 15:43 | Comments
Donegal will now play Kerry in the minor final
Donegal 1-12 Dublin 1-11
Donegal are through to their first ever All-Ireland Minor Football Championship final after they beat Dublin by a point in a brilliant semi-final at Croke Park.
Late scores from Stephen McBrearty, the younger brother of senior star Paddy, and substitute Ethan O'Donnell saw them squeeze past a stern Dubs challenge.
In injury-time the Boys in Blue had two tough chances to level it and force extra-time, but both of captain Con O'Callaghan's difficult long-range dead ball efforts fell short.
Kerry beat Mayo with a bit to spare in the first semi-final and await Declan Bonnar's team in the decider on 21 September at Croke Park.
Donegal were on the ropes and in danger of being on the receiving end of a knock-out blow after 22 minutes as they trailed by five points to one.
The Dubs were getting on top in the middle third, they were starting to find their range and the Ulster champions were beginning to look out of the depth.
But in the ten minutes played, including injury-time before the break, they showed what they were capable of.
Classy full-forward John Campbell got the ball rolling when he fisted to the net past Dublin goalkeeper Elven Whelan, who was diving full-length.
Campbell then tagged on two points and all of a sudden Donegal were ahead and in the driving seat.
Chris Sallier was able to muster the Dubs' only response before the interval, a badly-needed point, and they went in behind at 0-06 to 1-08.
In an excellent second half of football the pendulum swung back and forth as the teams seized the initiative and then handed it back.
The Dubs hit the front when Jack Burke scored a goal, benefiting from quick thinking by Con Basquel and O'Callaghan.
Basquel hit a quick free to O'Callaghan and the team skipper tapped it down to Burke, who still had a bit of work to do.
Donegal finished off with the last three points of the game, which included one from the impressive McBrearty.
Right at the end O'Callaghan, who led his team well, had two late chances.
The first was from distance and a tough strike for a right footer on the right hand side of the pitch. The second was a 45 from his better side.
The shots just didn't have the legs though and it mightn't have helped that the teenager was the subject of unsporting boos as he lined up his kicks from the Donegal fans.
Both of these teams came into the game highly-rated and with genuine ambitions of winning the All-Ireland title.
This was also the first time ever that the same four teams made the senior and minor All-Ireland semi-finals - and in each case they were provincial champions too.
Winning manager Bonnar was himself an All-Ireland winner in 1992, when Donegal also beat the Dubs.
Donegal: D Rodgers, D Monagle, C Gillespie, C Kelly, S McMenamin, T McCleneghan, C Mulligan (0-02), N Harley, C McGonigle, S McBrearty (0-04), L Connor (0-03, 2f), M Carroll, J Brennan, J Campbell (1-02), N Friel.
Subs: C Morrison for N Friel (black card), E O'Donnell (0-01) for N Harley, G McBride for J Brennan, C Doherty for J Campbell, C Bonner for C Kelly.
Dublin: E Whelan, M Murchan, J Mullins, D Monahan, A McGowan, S Clayton, G O'Reilly, A Foley, E McHugh (0-01), C Kavanagh (0-01), C Basquel (0-01), J Burke (1-01), A Byrne (0-01), C O'Callaghan (0-04, 2f), C Sallier (0-02).
Subs: R McBride for C Kavanagh, D McIlgorm for A Foley, W Egan for A Byrne, A Fee for A McGowan.
Hull City manager Steve Bruce has confirmed the signing of Cork City defender Brian Lenihan.
Lenihan attracted interest from a number of clubs in England and the Tigers have saw off competition from Brighton to complete the deal for the 20-year-old.
It is likely Lenihan will go straight into the club's development squad rather than challenging for a first-team place.
The fee has not yet been disclosed but could be worth over £200,000 according to reports.
"Lenihan is done and dusted. He's one for the future," said Bruce after their 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa today.
Royal Portrush has passed the first hurdle in plans to upgrade its courses and bring back the Open Championship by 2019.
A special meeting of members voted overwhelmingly in favour of the first redevelopment of the world-renowned links in the 63 years since it hosted the major tournament.
Only two of the 237 who attended the Magherabuoy Hotel in Portrush on Friday refused to back the plans in a show of hands, with insiders suggesting the opponents - two men from one family and in their 30s - were voting against it for a bet or a joke.
Philip Tweedie, a past captain and current member of the club's tournament committee, said there was a feeling of excitement about the progress.
"We always wanted to have a unanimous decision as much as possible so there was unity in the club and we think that is what we have achieved," he said.
A planning application is expected to be made by mid-October but authorities are not likely to make a decision until possibly next April.
In an attempt to expedite the process and avoid confrontation with environmentalists, the club has already undertaken ecology reports on the dune system.
Work is being tentatively planned for autumn-winter next year.
The first redevelopment will be on the Valley course alongside work on new greens on the Dunluce course, but any significant infrastructure changes are being planned not to coincide with bird-nesting season.
Mr Tweedie added: "Everything has got to improve and strengthen. Ultimately what we are working on the Dunluce and Valley links are creating stronger courses that are fit for Open competitive golf."
The changes will involve taking two holes out of the Valley course and creating three new holes, plans which Mr Tweedie described as "stunning".
Royal Portrush has undergone seven significant changes since the course first opened as The County Club in 1888 but no development work has been done in the decades since the Open visited in 1951.
The R&A, organiser of the Open, has been notified of the decision.
The hour-long hotel meeting on Friday night was held after detailed planning by the club's management including architect Martin Ebert, laying the groundwork with a model exhibition and maps in the clubhouse to show all the changes.
Members were taken on tours of the prestigious Dunluce Links in groups of 40 or 50 for experts to walk and talk them through the redevelopment.
The Dunluce course will be improved to a par 71 of 7,337 yards. Among the changes will be new greens - the eighth will be a two-tier and the par-five ninth will become a par four.
Some new bunkers will be dug while the current practice ground will be used for tentage.
A 75-page brochure has been made available, primarily for members, to outline how the changes will alter the courses.
Tweedie added: "It's a massive sense of excitement in terms of getting the opportunity to get the course strengthened and enhanced. The opportunity it's bringing for so many people in terms of members and then in terms of the general public, for Portrush, for Northern Ireland and for Ireland."
Royal Portrush was added to the Open rota in June, with 2019 a potential date for its long-awaited return to major golf.
The decision was sparked in part by the record-breaking attendance at the 2012 Irish Open at the venue.
The spectacular course on the scenic Causeway coast is the only venue outside England and Scotland that has staged the Open.
Several major championship victories by local superstars Rory McIlroy, Graeme McDowell and Darren Clarke since 2010 have added impetus to the campaign to bring the championship back, with all three lobbying on behalf of the course.
The R&A envisages Royal Portrush hosting the tournament on a regular basis in the future.
Gabriel Agbonlahor gave the home side an early advantage
Aston Villa 2-1 Hull City
Aston Villa's unbeaten start to the Barclays Premier League season continued as goals from Gabriel Agbonlahor and Andreas Weimann put away Hull at Villa Park.
Villa had the look of a crisis club towards the end of the 2013-14 campaign, with manager Paul Lambert under intense pressure, owner Randy Lerner trying to sell the club and internal discord rife, but seven points from a possible nine paints a rosier picture this time around.
Villa had to settle for a 2-1 victory but should really have enjoyed a more handsome scoreline, dominating first-half proceedings completely with neat finishes from Agbonlahor and Weimann sandwiched by shots against the woodwork from Fabian Delph and Ashley Westwood.
Hull were abject in those 45 minutes, arguably as bad as they have been since their return to the top flight, but tightened up after the interval and found a lifeline when Nikica Jelavic's 72nd-minute header was turned home by Villa full-back Aly Cissokho.
Both sides had been responding to midweek setbacks, Paul Lambert's side beaten by Leyton Orient in the Capital One Cup and the Tigers ousted from the Europa League on away goals.
Each made seven changes from those games and there was little doubt about which side settled quicker.
Villa's dominance began almost immediately, with just 90 seconds gone when Delph latched on to Weimann's pass and lashed an angled shot against the outside of the near post.
That energetic start appeared to catch the visitors cold and they regressed immediately to some uncharacteristic long balls.
Lambert's side attacked with more forethought, Delph, Weimann and Agbonlahor looking to use their pace against a Hull defence including debutant Michael Dawson.
The opener arrived shortly before the quarter-hour mark, Jelavic mis-controlling a pass back into his own half to set up a Villa break.
Within seconds the ball was in the net, Charles N'Zogbia finding Weimann, whose deft touch gave Agbonlahor just enough room to turn and shoot low past Allan McGregor from 10 yards.
A second almost followed within two minutes, Curtis Davies gifting possession to Agbonlahor, who fizzed a cross into the six-yard box where Dawson made a hurried clearance.
Hull briefly threatened a response around the half-hour mark, Tom Huddlestone's free-kick deflected wide by Weimann before Mark Clattenburg waved away penalty appeals for a Westwood handball.
Villa soon regained control, though, aided by some dreadful resistance.
They doubled their lead in the 36th minute when Dawson's loose ball was won by Delph, spread wide to Kieran Richardson and finished in two succinct touches by Weimann.
It was a moment to forget for the Hull debutant but another clinical reaction by Villa's forward line.
It might easily have been three before half-time, Agbonlahor denied by McGregor's feet and Westwood curling a free-kick against the upright with McGregor nowhere.
Hull captain Davies did not emerge for the second half, replaced by Liam Rosenior to force a change of shape to four at the back. Ten minutes later and with no sign of a change in momentum, Steve Bruce made his second change.
This time Tom Ince, nearly anonymous in his attempts to link midfield and attack, gave way for Robbie Brady, fresh from two goals against Lokeren on Thursday.
Lambert's first change came soon after, Carlos Sanchez on for N'Zogbia, and if the substitutions were contributing to an increasingly disjointed feeling then it hardly mattered to the side with a two-goal cushion.
That almost increased to three when McGregor slipped fielding Dawson's back pass, but the ball did not fall for the harrying Weimann.
Then, against all expectations, Hull instigated a tense finale by grabbing a lifeline 18 minutes from time.
The lively Brady was involved, his drifting free-kick headed goalwards by Jelavic only for Cissokho to wrong-foot his own goalkeeper with a huge deflection.
In an instant the game had a new spark, Delph bringing the home fans back to their feet with a fine run and shot before Jake Livermore took aim at the other end.
His 25-yard strike was destined for the top corner but Brad Guzan made his first save of the match a crucial one.
Both sides had chances in injury-time, Darren Bent dragging wide from a good position and Sone Aluko firing directly at Guzan with the visitors' final chance.
Marc Marquez has won 11 of the 12 races in this year's championship
Marc Marquez endured a race-long battle with Jorge Lorenzo from start to finish before claiming victory in the British Grand Prix at Silverstone.
The 21-year-old Spaniard on his Repsol Honda, who started the race from pole position, dropped into second on the opening lap as his compatriot took charge.
But the lead changed hands between the duo a number of times after championship leader Marquez went in front with seven laps to go.
Marquez was pushed back to second but fought back hard and after shoulder-barging and a touch with Movistar Yamaha's Lorenzo, he came out on top to pick up an impressive 11th win of this season's MotoGP World Championship in 40 minutes 51.835 seconds, with Lorenzo's team-mate Valentino Rossi coming home third.
After Lorenzo took the early lead, Marquez put him under increasing pressure as the race moved on and the front-running two were being tracked by Andrea Dovizioso on his Ducati, Rossi, Honda's Dani Pedrosa and Britain's Bradley Smith in sixth on his Yamaha.
Rossi began to make inroads and moved into third five laps in, with Pedrosa also overtaking Dovizioso.
Rossi was put under pressure four laps later by Pedrosa, who took third back.
At the same time Smith looked in trouble and started to drop down the field before pitting with what turned out to be a rear tyre problem, with fellow Briton Scott Redding (Honda) moving up to 12th at the halfway stage.
The fight for third was still going strong between Pedrosa, Rossi and Dovizioso before six-times world champion Rossi took advantage of the Spaniard going wide to reclaim third with fellow Italian Dovizioso moving up to fourth as Smith rejoined the race.
The battle at the front began to heat up with seven laps to go as Marquez finally made his move and took the lead from Lorenzo moments after setting the fastest lap of race with a time of 2:01.980.
Yet the Yamaha rider did not give up and reclaimed the lead as Marquez ran wide, to the delight of the crowds in the grandstand who roared approval.
Lower down the field, Redding moved up to 11th after taking Ducati's Yonny Hernandez and fellow Briton Cal Crutchlow moved up to 13th.
With three laps remaining, Lorenzo was being pushed hard and - after a fight for track position where the riders looked to have touched - Marquez came out on top and held the lead to clinch his 11th win of the season, 0.732 ahead of Lorenzo.
Behind the top three were Pedrosa, Dovizioso, Pol Espargaro on his Yamaha, Stefan Bradl (Honda), Andrea Iannone (Ducati) and Aleix Espargaro (Yamaha).
Redding rounded out the top 10 in his home race, while Crutchlow claimed 12th.
Marquez now leads the riders' standings with 288 points, 89 more than nearest rival Pedrosa with Rossi 10 further back with six races of the season to go.
The race winner was delighted with his victory and admitted the victory here at Silverstone was sweet revenge after he came home second to Lorenzo in last year's race, where he was just 0.081 off the pace.
He told BT Sport 2: "Jorge was much as strong as what I expected before the race because I did the same time in the practice but it looked like today that he was stronger and it was a great battle in the end.
"When I got past him for the first time I expected to open up a small gap but I made a small mistake and then he came by....but the battle was nice and to win the race - I was remembering and thinking about last year and this time I was a bit better and I beat him."
Following his second-placed finish, Lorenzo admitted the better bike won, but was pleased with the improved Yamaha after running so close to victory.
Lorenzo said: "It was clear Marc was the most powerful rider for this race but - as I said yesterday - racing's racing and sometimes you get a surprise like today.
"I made a very good start, the first corner I took first position and I pushed to the maximum and arrived better than ever. But it was not enough as, at this moment the Honda is very good even if our bike has improved.
"But we weren't so far from Marc. Obviously this action from the touch with each other cost me half a second, anyway I was so tired to push to the limit and the rear tyre was destroyed."
Alberto Moreno's exquisite solo strike capped a dominant Liverpool performance as Mauricio Pochettino's perfect start to life at Tottenham came to an abrupt end.
Brendan Rodgers' side produced the ideal response to Monday's defeat at Manchester City, with Raheem Sterling, Steven Gerrard and a wonderful effort from Moreno condemning Spurs to a 3-0 loss at White Hart Lane.
The first defeat of the Pochettino era would have been worse was it not for high-profile debutant Mario Balotelli's clear rustiness on an afternoon which will have brought back painful memories of last season's humblings.
Liverpool followed up a 5-0 win at White Hart Lane with a 4-0 triumph at Anfield last term and it looked like a similar scoreline would be on the cards when Sterling swept home after a fine team move in the eighth minute.
Balotelli should have put the visitors up before that and wasted two more wonderful first-half chances, although Gerrard slotted home from the penalty spot early in the second half after Eric Dier was adjudged to have hauled back Joe Allen.
The scoreline got worse for the hosts when Moreno dispossessed substitute Andros Townsend and raced the length of the Spurs half to unleash a fine low drive as Liverpool emphatically put Monday's 3-1 loss at the Etihad Stadium behind them.
The win was a fitting way to celebrate Rodgers' 100th match at the helm - only Kenny Dalglish had a better win ratio over the same period - and victory looked likely from the outset.
Despite insisting in the build-up it would not become "the Mario Balotelli show", the pre-match focus was on the Italian who had a wonderful chance to open his account after three minutes.
The maverick striker found space to meet a Daniel Sturridge cross at the back post, only for Hugo Lloris to save his close-range header before the striker turned the rebound wide.
It was poor from Balotelli but a missed opportunity soon forgotten as Liverpool's England trio combined for a stylish opener.
Sturridge played through Jordan Henderson, whose low, driven cross was turned in at the backpost by Sterling - a team goal which will have no doubt pleased watching England manager Roy Hodgson.
Emmanuel Adebayor had a decent chance to level almost immediately when put through by Nabil Bentaleb, only for him to lift the ball onto the roof of the net.
It was a rare moment of respite as Liverpool toyed with the hosts, wasting several decent chances to pull further ahead.
Sturridge wriggled free to strike a low left-footed effort just wide, before Balotelli wasted another gilt-edged chance when failing to head on target despite being left unmarked from a Gerrard free-kick.
Adebayor was proving a nuisance as Spurs began to settle, although a wayward effort from Danny Rose was all they had to show for their improved performance.
They were still looking shaky on occasion at the back and Lloris was fortunate not to be punished for a rush of blood to the head.
Soon after saving a Sturridge pot shot, the French goalkeeper, like so many times before, burst off his line to make an interception, which he put straight at Balotelli - a chance the Italian snatched at, screwing wide of the open goal.
Balotelli was guilty of firing wildly over from a corner just before the break, which Spurs were close to going into level.
Adebayor showed good strength to flick the ball through to Nacer Chadli, although the attacker's goalbound drive was denied by Simon Mignolet.
Spurs were fortunate not to be further behind at the break but Liverpool did double their advantage four minutes into the second half.
Dier was adjudged to have pulled back Allen in the box, with Gerrard striking home the resulting penalty - a record 43rd successful spot-kick for Liverpool.
It looked a soft decision by referee Phil Dowd and one which led Pochettino to make alterations, although the introduction of Townsend immediately cost Spurs.
The dawdling winger was dispossessed by Moreno just inside the Liverpool half, with the left-back powering down the flank before letting fly across Lloris.
Balotelli was withdrawn after the Spaniard's fine solo effort, which would have been usurped as the game's best goal had the final touch matched the quality of Sterling's inspired, mazy run.
Lloris denied that tame effort and a low Sturridge strike as the tempo slowed and game petered out.
There was a worrying moment for Hodgson as Rose was replaced after picking up a knock towards the end of a match which Spurs underwhelmed.
Written By Unknown on Sabtu, 30 Agustus 2014 | 23.06
Updated: Saturday, 30 Aug 2014 16:28 | Comments
Katriona Mackey scored 1-03 for the victors
CORK 1-15 WEXFORD 0-08
Cork are through to the final of the Liberty Insurance Senior Camogie Championship final after a comfortable ten-point victory over Wexford in their semi-final replay at Walsh Park.
Katriona Mackey's first half goal gave the Rebels a precious one point lead at the interval, and they simply tore Wexford apart in the second half, restricting the Leinster side to just a single point in the final thirty minutes.
Although Orla Cotter had given the Cork women an early lead in the first half it was Wexford who settled better and a brace from Ursula Jacob either side of a Shelley Kehoe point put the 2012 champions two points clear by the fifth minute, and the signs were ominous for the Leesiders.
However, despite playing against a stiff breeze in that opening half Cork came roaring back and a Katriona Mackey point was followed midway through the half by a stunning goal by the corner forward as she pounced on Jennifer O'Leary's pass and slammed the ball beyond the reach of Mags D'Arcy.
Three Cotter frees against a solitary Wexford reply from the hard-working Katrina Parrock gave Cork what looked like a commanding four point lead going into the break, but three quick-fire Wexford points in injury time gave the score-line a very different complexion.
Jacob, Una Leacy, the Wexford heroine in the drawn game and Bríd Gordon reeled off that trio of points to leave it 1-5 0-7 narrowly in favour of Cork going into the second half, but hinting at another closely fought finish.
That however was not to transpire as Cork completely dominated the final half an hour, sweeping over seven unanswered points before Wexford raised their sole white flag of the half with six minutes remaining.
To the credit of the Model County women they never threw in the towel but three brilliant points in the final minutes from Cotter (2) and Mackey confirmed that Cork remain on course for a first senior title since 2009.
CORK: A Murray (0-01), J O'Callaghan, A Geary, L Treacy, E O'Sullivan, G O'Connor, P Mackey, R Buckley, A Thompson, J O'Leary (0-01), A Walsh, B Corkery (0-01), J White (0-01), O Cotter (0-08), K Mackey (1-03).
Subs: A O'Connor for White (53m), J Casey for Buckley (56m), D Cronin for Walsh (61m)
WEXFORD: M D'Arcy, D Codd, N Lambert, K Atkinson, B Gordon (0-01), M Leacy, S Sinnott, J Dwyer, S Kehoe (0-01), K Kelly, F Rochford, J Quigley, U Jacob (0-03, 1f), K Parrock (0-01), U Leacy (0-01).
Subs: L Bolger (0-01) for Gordon (30m), E O'Connor for F Rochford (45m), F Kavanagh for Quigley (54m)
Kerry and Mayo served up an enthralling contest in the drawn encounter
Audio
Despite a boost for Mayo with the news that Lee Keegan will be available to face Kerry, RTÉ analyst Kevin McStay still finds it hard to pick a winner from Saturday's All-Ireland SFC semi-final replay.
The counties meet again at the Gaelic Grounds in Limerick, throw-in 5pm, to decide who will contest the 21 September decider.
Keegan, who was sent off for a kick out at Johnny Buckley in the drawn game, had his red card rescinded by the Central Hearings Committee (CHC) on Thursday night.
The two-time All Star is a pivotal part of the Mayo half-back line that drives forward with real intent.
McStay shares the view of others that Keegan's availability is a huge fillip for the westerners, yet speaking to RTÉ Sport, he said: "His inclusion doesn't make it any easier to call the game."
McStay went on to say that the CHC's decision was the correct one.
"On a human and sporting level, I'm delighted that he got off," he added.
"I think it was a wise play from Mayo to seek a hearing because the Central Hearings Committee have been 50-50 in all their deliberations. You will always have a chance. I feel sorry for Dave Coldrick (referee in the drawn game). You're damned if you do – damned if you don't. You have to see it from his side.
"Mayo have plenty of problems to be thinking about, particularly in their full-back line"
"A guy on twitter put it really well: 'Last Sunday it was the wrong decision for the right reasons.' The conclusion last night was the 'right decision for the wrong reasons.' I think that sums it up perfectly.
"It's going to be controversial because he was reported for kicking with minimum force or attempting to kick with minimum force. He got off. He plays now and everybody must move on."
As for what might happen on the pitch in Saturday's replay, the former Mayo star concluded that question marks surround both teams.
"Mayo have plenty of problems to be thinking about, particularly in their full-back line. Will they start Andy Moran? What will the tactics be around James O'Donoghue? They are not scoring enough from play.
On the Kerry side, they have dilemmas in their selection. What roles will Kieran Donaghy, Declan O'Sullivan and Bryan Sheehan play? They are definitely conceding too many frees. That's why Cillian O'Connor played such a massive part the last day."
As to who will emerge victorious, McStay is going with his native county, but with no real conviction.
"This week has most been about rest and recovery. I think Mayo are the better conditioned team and I also think that they will rest and recover better. That's why I'm giving them the nod because it's only a six-day turn around.
"However, as I said last week this game could go either way."
Lee Keegan red card
Watch Kerry v Mayo live on RTÉ Two television from 1640. Also live on RTÉ Player and worldwide on GAAGO.
Live radio coverage on RTÉ Radio 1 on Saturday Sport (programme begins 1415).
Stephen Kenny's side are closing on the league title
Dundalk manager Stephen Kenny will not let his players get ahead of themselves despite taking a massive step towards securing the SSE Airtricity Premier Division title on Friday night.
The Lilywhites came from behind to beat Bohemians 3-2 in Oriel Park with David McMillan bagging a crucial brace in the second half.
Meanwhile, title rivals Cork City were held 2-2 by bottom of the table Athlone Town as a six-point gap was opened up at the top with just seven games remaining.
Kenny said he will not look beyond next week's double-header of games with St Patrick's Athletic and Derry City.
He told RTÉ Sport: "I don't think we're looking at end of seasons. Realistically we are just looking at St Pat's on Friday. It's a big weekend, two big games and we're not getting ahead of ourselves. We would be foolish to do so. We're going to keep our feet on the ground, work hard and get ready for St Patrick's on Friday.
"There have been great games here (Oriel Park) all season. There has been plenty of drama, tonight was no different. Anyone that came tonight would have enjoyed it and it was a big win for us."
"It was a terrific goal. It lifted the roof off the stands. It was a great moment."
Kenny added that when 2-1 down, his players showed great belief in themselves to mount a comeback and the moment McMillan clinched the winner brought a memorable roar amongst the 2,627-crowd as Oriel saluted a big moment in the title race.
"It's a great result for us," Kenny said.
"I don't think we did too much wrong in the first half. We found ourselves 2-1 down after taking the lead but there were two phenomenal strikes from Bohemians through Karl Moore and Dinny Corcoran. Sometimes that happens and there is not a lot you can do about it really.
"We probably afforded them a little bit too much time to get the strikes in. They were hit so cleanly that Peter Cherrie had absolutely no chance. It's easy to get frustrated and it's easy to get disillusioned when that happens.
"But to be fair to the players they just focused on the match itself and in the second half there was two really good goals from David McMillan to win it. We're delighted with the win. It's a great win to be 2-1 down and come back to win 3-2.
"Right from the start of the second half we had chances. It just looked like we knew we were well capable of scoring. David McMillan's header was a very difficult technique from an in-swinging cross towards the far corner.
"The second goal as well is just pure quality from him. Nine of 10 times you'd blaze them over the bar. But he kept his eye on the ball, kept it down and hit it with great power. It was a terrific goal. It lifted the roof off the stands. It was a great moment."
Defender Daniel Agger has brought an end to his eight-and-a-half-year stay at Liverpool by moving back to Brondby.
Agger moved to Anfield in January 2006 from the Danish club for a £6million fee and has gone on to make over 200 appearances for the Reds since then, but will now return to the club where he began his career.
"Liverpool have been such a big part of my life and my family's lives for so long, that leaving is extremely difficult," Agger told Liverpoolfc.com.
While he was often a first choice centre-back during much of his time on Merseyside, several injuries have stalled his career and he had slipped down the pecking order in the last couple of seasons under Brendan Rodgers.
He made just 20 Premier League appearances last season, despite being club vice-captain, and has not featured at all in this campaign as Rodgers appears to have settled on a first-choice partnership of Martin Skrtel and Dejan Lovren in the centre of defence.
Despite reports linking him with a move to Spanish giants Real Madrid or Barcelona over the summer, Agger was adamant that he would only leave Liverpool for a return to the club where he made his name.
"The opportunity arose for me to return home to Brondby and at this stage of my career it felt like the right decision for me," Agger added.
"I wouldn't leave here to go anywhere else and that has been proven by my actions in recent seasons - I have turned down many offers to move to other Premier League and European clubs."
The 29-year-old, who has 64 caps for Denmark, played a significant part in Liverpool's run to the Champions League final in the 2006/07 season, while he helped them to lift the League Cup five years later.
Rodgers added: "We've been discussing Daniel's future with him during the close season and I know this is a decision he has reached after much soul searching and deliberation."
Angel di Maria made his debut after joining Red Devils from Real Madrid
BURNLEY 0 MANCHESTER UNITED 0
Louis van Gaal's problems mounted at Turf Moor as Angel di Maria hobbled off injured in Manchester United's uninspiring 0-0 draw with Burnley in their Premier League clash.
Van Gaal, who watched his team get hammered by MK Dons in midweek, stretched his winless streak to four matches after another poor display - this time at the home of Barclays Premier League newcomers Burnley, who were torn apart here by Chelsea on the opening weekend of the season.
Robin van Persie's second-half shot was cleared off the line, but otherwise United had very few chances despite the fact that they had the Holland striker, Di Maria, Rooney and Juan Mata on the pitch for most of the match.
Jonny Evans and Antonio Valencia were guilty of making potentially costly defensive errors and David de Gea also had to make a few impressive saves to deny the Clarets, who picked up their first point of the campaign.
Until he went off, Di Maria was by far United's best player.
The British record signing speared a number of long passes from deep, but Van Persie and Rooney both had off days up front and could not convert, and his pace caused problems too.
The sight of the former Real Madrid man hobbling off clutching his right leg in the second half will be a concern for Van Gaal, who paid £60million for the Argentina international four days ago.
United announced they had agreed a fee with Ajax for Daley Blind before kick-off, but, on this evidence, it will take much more than one new player to reinvigorate the Red Devils.
Di Maria, playing in a midfield three alongside Mata and a slightly deeper Darren Fletcher, received a hero's welcome from the away fans as he took to the pitch, but he was marginalised early on as Burnley took control from the off.
With less than three minutes gone, United handed the hosts a good chance to score and they almost took it.
Phil Jones barged over Lukas Jutkiewicz to earn a free-kick right on the edge of the box.
David Jones beat De Gea with a curling effort from the resulting set-piece, but the ball struck the bar and bounced out to safety.
Soon after Burnley were gifted their second opportunity when Evans, in an almost identical error to the one he committed at MK Dons on Tuesday, sold De Gea short with a backpass, but the Spaniard came out to block Jutkiewicz's shot.
Di Maria then produced his first bit of magic to spark United into life.
The Argentinian lofted a 40-yard ball over the top of the home defence and Van Persie cushioned the ball perfectly on his chest, but he mis-hit his volley.
De Gea was called into action again, racing out of his box to clear just in time after a defensive mix-up.
Burnley continued to look the more dangerous side.
De Gea parried a swirling volley from Jones shortly after watching Scott Arfield head over from close range.
Any hopes of a United goal seemed to rest on Di Maria's shoulders.
The former Real Madrid midfielder kept the Burnley back four on their toes with his pace and trickery on the attack and he was also proving effective from deep.
Di Maria picked out Rooney with another long diagonal ball. The United and England captain prodded the ball to Van Persie, but Jason Shackell intervened.
Fletcher, looking increasingly isolated in midfield, was booked for tugging Danny Ings' shirt.
United started to come into the game a bit more towards the end of the first half. Ashley Young went down in the box under pressure from Kieran Trippier, but Chris Foy waved play on.
After a dull opening five minutes of the second half, United created a couple of good chances, but once again they could not find the net.
Dean Marney saved Van Persie's shot on the line after a good run from Di Maria.
The Dutchman spurned another chance soon after, heading Fletcher's chipped pass onto the roof of the net.
Then came a sight no United fan wanted to see - Di Maria down on the floor holding his right leg. The player got back to his feet after treatment, but moments later Van Gaal took his record signing off and replaced him with Anderson.
It was a move that showed just how desperately short United are on quality.
Van Persie was then replaced by Danny Welbeck up front.
United's lack of concentration at the back remained Van Gaal's biggest worry, though.
Valencia carelessly played the ball straight to the unmarked Arfield on the edge of his own box, but he failed to beat De Gea.
At the other end Mata, who was having a day to forget, ploughed the ball high and wide. The Spaniard came off for Adnan Januzaj with four minutes to go.
In the dying stages United thought they should have had a penalty when Young's shot appeared to hit Ashley Barnes' arm, but Foy was not interested and the game petered out into a draw.
Roger Federer's returns a rocket serve from Sam Groth
Roger Federer nullified the big serving of Australian Sam Groth to move into the third round of the US Open.
Groth's big claim to fame is having hit a serve of 163mph at a tournament in Korea in 2012, unofficially the fastest serve ever recorded.
The fastest Groth managed on Friday night was 147mph, and he would have known he was in trouble when a delivery of 142mph flew back past him for a clean winner.
Federer generally fares well against big servers and it was no different on Friday night, although the second seed did not have things entirely his own way in a 6-4 6-4 6-4 victory.
It took the Swiss seven games to break Groth's resistance but he looked in total control when he broke again in the opening game of the second set, exploiting the Australian's relative weakness on the volley.
Groth smashed a ball towards the sky-high stands of Arthur Ashe Stadium in frustration, but a game later he was unexpectedly level.
It was no more than a workmanlike performance from Federer but he was always pushing for the opening and forged ahead again to lead 5-4 before taking the set.
Groth had never faced a top-10 player before but he was warming to his task and exploited some sloppy Federer play to break for 4-2 in the third set.
Back came Federer, though, forcing Groth to play a succession of low volleys, and when the Australian double-faulted on break point two games later the writing was on the wall.
Federer served out the victory and then said: "I thought I did pretty well from the start, I created quite a few opportunities. I'm really happy how I played on the return.
"I could maybe have done a bit better on my serve but I thought it was an exciting match. I thought Sam played well and it was tough until the end. He's got unbelievable power. My arm's still shaking a little bit."
The 33-year-old next meets Spaniard Marcel Granollers, who saw off giant Croatian Ivo Karlovic in five sets.
Grigor Dimitrov will attempt to do in the third round what only one player has managed in 28 matches - beat David Goffin.
It is unlikely the Belgian will make the latter stages, but no player arrived in New York with more confidence than Goffin.
After losing to Andy Murray in the first round at Wimbledon, Goffin headed to Scheveningen in Holland to play a Challenger tournament.
He won that, just as he did the next two Challengers he played. Then he played in Kitzbuhel and won that title too - his first on the ATP Tour.
By the time he had come through qualifying in Winston-Salem last week and made the quarter-finals, he had won 25 successive matches.
The run was ended by Jerzy Janowicz, but Goffin remains on a roll and, after beating compatriot Niels Desein in round one, he hammered 32nd seed Joao Sousa 6-4 6-2 6-0 on Friday.
"It's the first time I've won 25 matches in a row and now I'm in the third round for the first time in New York," said Goffin, whose ranking has climbed from 106 to 56 in seven weeks.
"The first tournament I played in Holland, I went there to get some confidence and I had tough matches in the first and second rounds. After that it gave me some confidence.
"I won the first one, second one and then I continued to play well. I won a lot of matches, but it's not over so why not in the next match? I'm very happy with the way I played today. It was a great match."
Goffin faces his stiffest test next in the shape of seventh seed Dimitrov, who trounced Dudi Sela 6-1 6-2 6-2.
"It's a tough match against Grigor," he said. "I have nothing to lose so I'm going to do my best to win this match. It will be an exciting match on a big court so I hope there will be a good atmosphere. I will try to be aggressive like I have been this summer."
Goffin burst into the limelight at the French Open in 2012 when he reached the fourth round as a lucky loser and took a set off Federer.
His upward curve continued for a little while, but a year later Goffin found himself back outside the top 100, the hype taking its toll.
He said: "After that it was tough, but now the French Open is behind me and I'm looking forward. Now the most important thing is this tournament and the next tournaments in the season. I don't care what happened before."
Fourth seed David Ferrer was handed a walkover when opponent Bernard Tomic pulled out with hip problems.
The Australian had surgery on both hips after the Australian Open and did not want to take a risk when he felt pain in the left one following his first-round win over Dustin Brown.
Tomic, who has also been struggling with flu, said: "I don't want to muck around with that area. For sure something is there. I've got to get it checked. It's not good right now. It's painful."
Marin Cilic has been impressive so far, and the 14th seed's 7-6 (7/2) 6-2 6-4 victory over Ilya Marchenko set up a third-round clash with 18th seed Kevin Anderson, who came from a set down to beat Janowicz.
Gael Monfils avoided his customary drama in a 7-5 6-3 6-2 win over Alejandro Gonzalez and next meets fellow Frenchman Richard Gasquet, a 7-6 (7/4) 6-3 6-3 winner over Paolo Lorenzi.
Nineteenth seed Feliciano Lopez won in four sets against Tatsuma Ito.
Sixth seed Tomas Berdych survived a five-set tussle with Martin Klizan to book his place in the third round.
Berdych has struggled for form this summer but avoided becoming the first top-10 seed to go out of the men's tournament, beating the Slovakian 6-3 4-6 6-2 3-6 6-3.
Fifteenth seed Fabio Fognini hit a whopping 64 unforced errors in a 6-3 6-4 6-1 defeat by Frenchman Adrian Mannarino.
Written By Unknown on Jumat, 29 Agustus 2014 | 23.06
Updated: Friday, 29 Aug 2014 17:04 | Comments
RTÉ's Soccer Republic will continue to cover domestic and international football
RTÉ will show 78 live SSE Airtricity League Premier Division and FAI Ford Cup games as part of a new agreement with the Football Association of Ireland, which runs from now until November 2018.
In addition, RTÉ will broadcast all of the Republic of Ireland's qualification matches in the UEFA EURO 2016 qualification campaign, which kicks off on Sunday, 7 September, against Georgia in Tbilisi, and highlights of all home international friendly matches.
Soccer Republic will also continue to cover domestic and international football on Monday evenings.
Commenting on the news, FAI chief executive John Delaney said: "I want to thank RTÉ for their continued support of Irish football, both in the SSE Airtricity League and our international matches.
"With an exciting league season under way and as we head into a highly anticipated EURO 2016 qualification campaign, television exposure is important for the development and promotion of the game and helps the Association continue the work it does across all strands of the game in every part of Ireland."
Premier Division Run-in
Acting Group Head of RTÉ Sport Clíona O'Leary added: "We are delighted to extend our partnership with the FAI, bringing Irish viewers live free-to-air coverage across the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division and FAI Ford Cup.
"This comprehensive coverage, combined with Soccer Republic, an exciting series covering all aspects of the game, with a particular focus on football in Ireland, underlines our strong commitment to the domestic game.
"And, as RTÉ has already secured live broadcast rights for all of Ireland's Euro 2016 qualifying games, we really have the most comprehensive offering for fans, all free-to-air."
Jim Gavin is aiming to lead Dublin to back-to-back All-Ireland final appearances for the first time since 1984/85
Dublin football manager Jim Gavin has rejected the notion that Sunday's All-Ireland football semi-final showdown with Donegal is a defining game for Gaelic football.
The sides famously met back in 2011 and while Donegal lost that day, their ultra defensive game plan was subsequently copied by various county and club teams.
Dublin's Sam Maguire win last year, with a free-flowing, attacking team signalled another apparent turning point and a return to a more traditional style of play.
The two contrasting systems will meet each other again on Sunday, and while an All-Ireland final place is the prize, the bigger picture is that the winner may inspire coaches around the country to copy their tactics.
Gavin isn't convinced by that argument though and rejected the idea of it being a defining game.
"Not at all," said Gavin of the sold-out fixture. "Each county has their own culture. That's the great thing about Gaelic football and Gaelic games in general.
"There is no right or wrong way, in my opinion, to set a team up. It's the manager's decision to decide what strategy and what tactics he employs on a given day.
"And he's doing his very best for his community and his county. We've just inherited from people who have gone before us a particular style of football that's played at club level.
"And people expect us to play that at county level. Sometimes we get successful, sometimes we don't."
"There is no right or wrong way, in my opinion, to set a team up"
Donegal manager Jim McGuinness has indicated that his team won't be as defensive as they were in 2011 when Dublin won 0-08 to 0-06.
Gavin is taking McGuinness at his word and pointed to the more open encounter between the sides when they last met competitively in the 2013 national league.
"When we played them in Ballybofey that time, they pushed up on us," said Gavin. "That was a really competitive and enjoyable match to be involved in. So they can certainly change their strategies as well.
"The reference point for me would be Donegal's most recent success which is an Ulster title and a very compact game against Armagh where they looked to be in control for most of it and they did what they had to do to win the game."
Ahead of the semi-final. Gavin stated that they are injury-free, though experienced defender Ger Brennan remains unavailable due to long-term ankle trouble.
The Allianz League and All-Ireland holders are strong favourites to meet Kerry or Mayo in the final having won each of their four games so far by double-digit margins.
McGuinness claimed recently that Dublin enjoy a near professional set-up, likening them to Chelsea under billionaire owner Roman Abramovich.
"I haven't really seen any of those comments, all I know is that Donegal have played really well this year," responded Gavin.
"They've won promotion to Division 1, they've won the Ulster title three out of the last four seasons and are a very experienced team with a lot of youth coming up. So they are a big, big challenge to us.
"We're all volunteers in the Dublin management team," added Gavin at a press briefing.
"I'm heading off to work after this. That's the bedrock of the Association at club level. It's a volunteers organisation, since 1884. That's what makes it great. All I know is that within Dublin we have very competent and intelligent personnel doing the best they can do for Gaelic games."
Pat Spillane on Dublin
Watch Donegal v Dublin live on RTÉ Two television from 1445. Also live on RTÉ Player and worldwide on GAAGO.
Live radio coverage on RTÉ Radio 1 on Sunday Sport from 1400.
Celtic avoided meeting Legia Warsaw, the side who they controversially beat in Champions League qualifying due to a technicality, in today's Europa League group draw.
The Scottish champions are the second seed in Group D alongside Salzburg from Austria, Croatian outfit Dinamo Zagreb and Astra Giurgiu from Romania.
Tottenham will be looking to replicate local rivals Arsenal's recent success against Besiktas after being paired with the Turkish side in Group C.
The Gunners edged past Besiktas over two legs in the Champions League play-offs, with Slaven Bilic's side dropping down to become top seeds in the secondary competition where they face a return to North London.
Also on the agenda for Mauricio Pochettino's side are trips to Serbia's Partizan Belgrade and Greek side Asteras.
Everton, coming from pot three at the draw in Monaco, have a tough draw in Group H, where they play a Lille side spearheaded by on-loan Liverpool striker Divock Origi and Bundesliga outfit Wolfsburg as well as a tricky journey to Russia's Krasnodar.
The group stage begins on 18 September with the final in Warsaw on 27 May next year.
Celtic Crash Out Again
Celtic manager Ronny Deila believes now is the time to put aside the disappointment of losing out to Maribor in the Champions League play-offs.
He told UEFA.com: "It's an interesting group. There are good teams but we are going to fight to go through.
"We are disappointed we didn't make the Champions League but we have to close this chapter for this year and remember the feeling we had.
"We have to work really hard, learn from our defeats and use that experience when we hopefully get in that situation again next year.
"We are going to focus on the 50 or so games we have left and we will do everything to win the league, cups and do well in Europe."
Donal McDermott will be pushing for a start for the Lilywhites
All game 7.45pm unless stated
Athlone Town v Cork City
It's an important game for sides at either end of the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division table at Athlone Town Stadium tonight.
Town are hoping to close the gap on second from bottom UCD with just five points separating the strugglers.
Over the last two games Athlone showed their battling, never say die attitude coming from a goal down to snatch a point against both Shamrock Rovers and the Students.
Cork will be hoping to bounce back from a disappointing FAI Cup exit, while keeping up the pressure on league leaders Dundalk.
Michael McSweeney is ruled out, having picked up a knock in the FAI Cup game with Bohemians last week. Michael Rafter is again joined on the sidelines by Rob Lehane, but Lehane is expected back in training early next week.
John O'Flynn is a doubt for the game and will be assessed closer to kick-off, while Ross Gaynor returns having been cup-tied for the games against Bohemians.
Athlone boss Keith Long will return to the bench after sitting out the last two games due to suspension.
He will be without Eric Foley due to a one game ban while Aidan Collins is still about three to four weeks from a return.
Stephen Quigley and Graham Rusk are out for the season with injury.
Alan Byrne and Philly Gorman sat out the draw against UCD due to suspension and they return.
Cork manager John Caulfield is demanding a big performance from his team and said: "We have worked very hard to get to second in the table, we are right in there and we know how big Friday's game is.
"It is the biggest game of the season for us. Every game is big, but we are now at a stage in the season where the run-in is on. We can't afford to not perform."
Bray Wanderers v UCD
Bray Wanderers take on relegation rivals UCD is what could be a crucial game at the Carlisle Grounds. Just one point separates the two teams and a win for either tonight would be a big step towards safety.
The hosts come into the game on the back a 1-1 draw with Cork City and manager Alan Mathews wants more of the same from his side.
"Everyone knows what is at stake over the coming weeks and it's important that we back up our excellent performance in Cork with the right result against UCD," he said.
Mathews can welcome Jake Kelly back into his squad after he recovered from a groin injury but the Bray boss continues to have injury concerns elsewhere.
Long-term injury victim Dave Webster, who has had a foot injury, is unlikely to be ready, while Adam Hanlon (back), Eric McGill (calf) and Shane O'Neill (knee) - all of whom missed the Cork game - have still not recovered sufficiently from their injuries to be available.
The Students will have been slightly disappointed not to have taken full points from last week's encounter with bottom side Athlone but manager Aaron Callaghan talked up the result.
"Last week was a real battle for us, with Athlone really going for the win as they try to make up the ground on both us and Bray. I thought we played very well and in particular our defensive performance was brilliant," he said.
"The result makes Friday's game extremely important as a win for either side will put them one step closer to securing their league status for next season, however there is still a long way to go in the season."
There is good news on the injury front for UCD, as they will be able to call on striker Dean Clarke, who has returned to training after a long absence with a back injury.
Mark Langtry will miss out, however, as he continues his recovery from a broken ankle. Tomas Boyle will also miss out with a hamstring injury.
Derry City v St Patrick's Athletic
Derry City will be looking to back up their 4-0 victory over Limerick on Monday evening with another good performance against the reigning league champions at the Brandywell.
The Candystripes will be without the services of Cliff Byrne (medial ligament) Danny Ventre (knee), Rory Patterson (back injury) and Patrick McEleney (Viral infection).
Speaking ahead of the game, manager Peter Hutton said: "Monday night was a very much complete performance from the lads. It was a game in which everyone of the fifteen lads played their part in what was a very good night for us.
"Having said that, it is vital that we carry that momentum into Friday evening's game against St Pats. The last game in Richmond Park is better forgotten, we certainly helped them on that night with all five goals."
Pat's team news not available
Dundalk v Bohemians
League leaders Dundalk will be hoping to maintain their advantage at the top of the table but face a Bohemians side who are finding themselves in a bit of form.
A 2-1 victory over First Division outfit Galway in the FAI Cup on Monday was far from convincing for Dundalk and manager Stephen Kenny expects a stern test from the Gypsies.
"Bohemians are a side who are in terrific form of late. They are a good side and they are playing very well at the moment. They will give us a difficult match," he said.
"They have been tough opponents for us this year with the two matches in Oriel Park and the victory for us in Dalymount was a very tough match for us".
Dundalk will be again without injured captain Stephen O'Donnell, however, the skipper has taken a huge step in his recovery and is now back in training following his injury in April.
Simon Kelly is ruled out with a calf strain but there are no suspension worries for the manager. After sitting out last week's FAI Cup tie, Patrick Hoban, Peter Cherrie, Kurtis Byrne and Andy Boyle are all expected to be restored to the starting team.
Having dismissed Cork City from the FAI Cup, Bohemians can now do the same club a favour by getting a result at Oriel Park.
Manager Owen Heary is relishing the challenge, only regretting that he does not have a full squad to choose from.
He said: "I'd love to play them with a full-strength team but I still feel confident enough to go up and get a result. We want to go and win the game.
"There's nothing expected of us going to Dundalk but we're definitely going to take the game to them."
Defenders Dan Byrne (cruciate) and Anto Murphy (ankle) are likely to miss the rest of the season. Steven Beattie is suspended and captain Dave Mulcahy has personal commitments that keep him out.
Limerick v Drogheda
Limerick manager Martin Russell says he is confident that his players will produce a "good response" when they welcome Drogheda United to Thomond Park following Monday's heavy defeat to Derry City.
The Shannonsiders are hurting from the 4-0 loss to Derry, where the visitors netted twice in each half to smash the home side's recent good form.
"I think the boys will respond," Russell told LimerickFC.ie. "They're disappointed in themselves and that's where you're confident we'll get a good response. That's what we're looking for.
"We'll go from now until the end of the season and every team will remain competitive in the league. That's the way the league is."
Limerick again have doubts over three of their back four. Left-back Robbie Williams (groin) is being monitored along with central defensive pair Samuel Oji (groin) and Stephen Folan (thigh); the latter duo were forced off against Derry, early and late respectively.
There is also a doubt over midfielder Jason Hughes (knee) while a definite absentee is centre-half Michael Leahy (groin).
Drogheda, meanwhile, will be hoping to continue their mini-revival under new manager Damien Richardson who has lost just once since taking charge at the end of July.
Gavin Brennan will be unavailable due to suspension for Drogheda as the winger will begin a four-match ban for his dismissal in the defeat to Bohemians a fortnight ago.
Mick Daly is an injury doubt and will be assessed at training while Stephen Maher will be missing through injury, but the midfielder should be back in training in the next ten days.
This is the first time that Richardson will test himself against Limerick and the Drogs boss said: "I'm very excited to be managing against Limerick for the first time in many years as they were relegated during my time at Cork City and Thomond Park is a wonderful venue for football.
"It's pleasing to see Martin Russell in charge as he is a real football man and I'm certain that he will be successful there but we are confident that we can cause them problems tonight."
Shamrock Rovers v Sligo Rovers, 8pm
Shamrock Rovers take on Sligo Rovers in Tallaght Stadium knowing that a victory over the Bit o 'Red could all but end Sligo's hopes of European football next season.
The Hoops will be aiming to extend their lead over Sligo to 11 points and put pressure on third-placed St Pat's.
Ryan Brennan remains out of the game through injury, while David O'Connor has also been ruled out with a hamstring injury that he picked up in last week's game. Gary McCabe is suspended for the tie.
Rovers manager Pat Fenlon said: "I expect it to be a tough game tomorrow night. Like ourselves, Sligo would have expected to be further up the table at this stage of the season.
"Our aim is to catch those ahead of us, but Sligo's aim will certainly be to catch us. If we win tomorrow night, we can put that aim to bed, but if they win they'll know it will make a huge difference."
The Bit o' Red come into the game in form and have taken seven points from the last nine available with a draw against Dundalk and wins over Athlone and Bray Wanderers.
Iarfhlaith Davoren, Raffaele Cretaro and John Russell have returned to training this week and are in contention. Jeff Henderson and Daryl Kavanagh remain out, Danny Ledwith and Alan Keane are suspended.
Manager John Coleman said: "It will help that we have some senior men back. The young players have been great. They've enjoyed the experience of training with the first-team and being part of it. But it's very important we have more experienced players available to us.
"We have a busy period coming up and we have to win the games. I felt we were excellent against Dundalk and Bray. The lads enjoyed how we played against Dundalk and I felt they embraced it.
"It was hard but the reward was clear to see and while we faded in the last 10 minutes I thought we could have won the game."
Donegal are considered outsiders for the semi-final clash
Audio
Donegal's Michael Murphy is not giving too much away as to how the side will approach the challenge of Dublin in Sunday's All-Ireland SFC semi-final at Croke Park (3.30pm).
Many pundits have speculated as to what plan Jim McGuinness will come up with to stop the marauding Dubs. Therein lies the intrigue ahead of what should be a fascinating encounter.
For Murphy, however, it's a case of sticking to the plan that has served Donegal well so far in this year's championship.
Speaking to RTÉ Sport, he said: "We concentrate on getting our own house in order, that is getting our levels of fitness and tactical work sorted and then narrowing our focus as the game approaches.
"We stick to our own process as if it were any game. It doesn't matter whether it's Dublin in the All-Ireland semi-final or the first round of the championship against Derry. We won't change anything."
"This Dublin side have come through everything that's been put in front of them with flying colours"
Sunday at Croke Park may tell us a different story, however.
What's not shrouded in mystery is that Dublin have been most impressive so far this summer – dispatching teams with the minimum of fuss. Murphy, like so many observers, is part of the admiration club.
"This Dublin side have come through everything that's been put in front of them with flying colours," he added.
"They played a variety of styles of football in the Leinster championship. They came through with huge winning margins. Against Monaghan the last day, they played a more defensive style at the start of the game. Any questions that have been asked of this Dublin team they've ultimately answered them quite emphatically. They've got serious scoring power all over the pitch to show that."
Donegal ready for the Dubs
The 2013 campaign saw Donegal fall back into a trough after their All-Ireland triumph. This campaign has seen them rise again. Fresh faces in their ranks has no doubt helped to reinvigorate things.
Assessing their championship run to date, Murphy accentuates the positive, though a cautionary note is struck when aspects of their narrow win over Armagh in the quarter-final are reflected on.
"It's been a good year so far and one that we are relatively happy with," remarked the Glenswilly clubman.
"Winning the Ulster championship was good in terms of bringing on the younger players. It left us in a better place in terms of the whole squad.
"You're only as good as your last game and we have to look at the performance against Armagh. We weren't happy with the way we played. The number of wides we kicked and the shot selection was not up to scratch
"That said, all the chat about us not been up to scratch was very disrespectful to Armagh. We knew they were going to be a massive proposition. They proved that on the day and played some fantastic football. We were happy with the character we showed in response to Armagh's goal."
Watch Donegal v Dublin live on RTÉ Two television from 1445. Also live on RTÉ Player and worldwide on GAAGO.
Live radio coverage on RTÉ Radio 1 on Sunday Sport from 1400.
Aktabantay chased home Estidhkaar in the Superlative Stakes at Newmarket last month
Hugo Palmer is excited at the prospect of saddling the highly-promising Aktabantay in the European Wealth Solario Stakes at Sandown on Saturday.
Palmer has had this seven-furlong Group Three contest in mind for the son of Oasis Dream for some time and reports the colt to be in tip-top shape.
Aktabantay was last seen finishing second to the impressive winner Estidhkaar in the Group Two Superlative Stakes after getting off the mark at Newcastle. Since Newmarket all roads have led to Sandown.
"He's done extremely well since Newmarket and I think the track will suit him," said Palmer.
"He's always done his best work on rising ground, at Newcastle and Newmarket. The four furlongs of rising ground at Sandown will really suit him.
"This has been very much the race I've wanted to run him in all year. It has been the plan since his maiden and I'm just looking forward to it. Drying ground would help him."
Godolphin's Future Empire steps straight into Pattern company after making a winning debut in a Newmarket maiden five weeks ago.
"He is doing well and worked really well this week. I like him and he is improving all the time," his trainer Saeed bin Suroor told At The Races.
"It gives us a clear picture for the future when you can run them in Group races."
Lexington Times has twice been beaten since opening his account at Newmarket. His latest defeat came over six furlongs at Ripon and his trainer Richard Hannon believes the step back up to seven will play to his strengths.
"Lexington Times is back over seven furlongs in the Solario, having found six too sharp in the Hornblower at Ripon, a track that does not suit every horse," the Marlborough handler told his official website.
"The form of the maiden which our fellow won at Newmarket's July meeting could not have worked out better, and if he handles the ground we would hope for a big run."
Written By Unknown on Kamis, 28 Agustus 2014 | 23.06
Updated: Thursday, 28 Aug 2014 15:44 | Comments
Kane Douglas will compete for a place in the team with Devin Toner and Mike McMarthy among othersBen Te'o joins from rugby league side South Sydney Rabbitohs
Audio
Leinster coach Matt O'Connor says his new southern hemisphere signings can give his side a new dimension.
The Pro12 champions have snapped up second row Kane Douglas from the NSW Waratahs, and Samoa international centre Ben Te'o from rugby league side South Sydney Rabbitohs.
Ahead of Leinster's opening tie away to last year's beaten finalists Glasgow Warriors on Saturday week, O'Connor told RTÉ Sport: "Across the board, we've probably got a better age profile, no disrespect to Brian [O'Driscoll] and Leo [Cullen, who have both retired], I think we've got a more robust squad. I think we can probably get a little bit more out of them in the training environment.
"There's a lot of things to work on. A couple of the guys that we've recruited from the southern hemisphere will give us a new dimension that we haven't probably haven't had in a while, and hopefully that will take our game forward."
O'Connor is particularly enthused with the addition of 14-cap Australia international Douglas.
He added: "He's a great young kid. He's 25 and he's played a hell of a lot of Super [12s] rugby. He plays 80 minutes every week.
"He was incredibly keen and positive about the move. He will give us a little bit youth and experience and starch in that tight five, which in the conditions in Europe will be massively important."
Kingman has proven himself the best of his generation over a mile
John Gosden has raised the possibility of Kingman stepping up in trip next season if the brilliant colt stays in training.
Since his narrow reverse in the 2000 Guineas, the three-year-old has confirmed himself the star turn in the mile division with thrilling victories in the Irish Guineas, St James's Palace Stakes, Sussex Stakes and Prix Jacques le Marois.
Given he carries the same colours of owner Khalid Abdullah, Kingman is inevitably compared to the unbeaten Frankel, who also dominated at a mile during his Classic year before proving equally dominant over a mile and a quarter as a four-year-old.
"Frankel obviously went mile, mile, mile and then he stepped up to a mile and a quarter at York (Juddmonte International) and again in the Champion (Stakes) at Ascot," said Gosden.
"If he (Kingman) stayed in training next year you have the options to do similar things, but at this stage, as a three-year-old, a mile is his trip.
"You could easily bring him back (in trip) if you wanted to and as he relaxes so well, you could probably step him up in trip. If he did stay in training next year, those become options.
"I don't think any decisions will be made until the end of October. We'll sit down and discuss the matter thoroughly and see what's best and the final decision will very much rest with the owner.
"He's grown a lot, he's a powerful horse, he's got a phenomenal turn of foot and he has the ability to switch off, which is great.
"Henry's (Cecil) training of Frankel was great - it was a triumph for training - because, as we remember from the Guineas, he wasn't exactly the easiest horse to switch off. He was so bullish and strong and wanted to show everyone how good he was.
"This fellow has a very relaxed mind and that's always a help to a trainer."
Kingman has been given an entry in the Prix du Moulin at Longchamp on 14 September, but is more likely to wait for the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes on Champions Day at Ascot on 18 October.
"He's in good order. He came out of Deauville very well and I'm happy with him. He has a very relaxed attitude, Gosden told At The Races.
"We've put him in the Moulin, but he's more likely to go straight to the QEII as we originally planned.
"The QEII is a fantastic race and to that extent it makes sense."
Reports suggest 38-year-old goalkeeper Shay Given is on the verge of a shock recall to the Republic of Ireland squad ahead of next week's World Cup qualifier in Georgia.
Given, who played in Aston Villa's 1-0 League Cup defeat to Leyton Orient on Wednesday night, has not worn the green shirt since retiring after Ireland's disastrous Euro 2012 campaign but said last year that he was open to a recall.
The Irish Sun reports that the 125-cap veteran has agreed to return but only on the condition that he plays, which would mean Milwall's David Forde, who has made the No 1 shirt his own over the last two years, dropping to the bench.
Ireland manager Martin O'Neill named four goalkeepers in last week's provisional 36-man squad for the Georgia qualifier on Sunday week and Wednesday's friendly with Oman.
Keiren Westwood (Sheffield Wednesday), Darren Randolph (Birmingham) and Rob Elliot (Newcastle) were included along with Forde.
Donegal will have to neutralise Dublin's goalscoring threat if they are to cause an upset at HQ
Audio
By Kevin McStay
It must be the most anticipated football game this year. Ulster meets Leinster - the champions from the last two years going face-to-face.
The bookmakers insist there can only be one result and with Dublin priced at 1/10, will Donegal fans conclude it's a long journey to undertake just to be witnesses to a massacre? Hardly!
But in a two-horse race, especially at elite level sport, the underdog always has a chance of taking a sufficient bite out of the favourite's leg and in doing so can often fell him.
In many ways this game is between two of the most innovative teams of the past decade. Before their respective emergence from the race of also rans, both sides had plenty of doubters. Both had to change dramatically.
And while Dublin now claim the majority of the admiration stakes for their stylish and open brand of football, Donegal are only slightly less admired. It's been a big change from the days when both could only dream of being champions.
So, a defensive colossus, the soccer version of the most durable of Italian teams versus the Gaelic football model of the 70s Dutch side and total football. Who will blink first next Sunday?
I expect Dublin to beat Donegal eventually but it won't be simple. It will take their best performance of the season to win this penultimate tie and if by any chance the Dubs have allowed hype or complacency into their camp, it will be fatal.
That, of course, is unlikely as the city side prepare as if professionals and the mark of professionals is that they always prepare properly.
"It is the goals that propel the Dubs to a higher level and a reasonable metric here might conclude a Dublin goal is worth five points"
Jim Gavin's men must steel themselves for an attritional hour of football, one where they will be physically and mentally tested and if they endure that period of deep examination, then and only then, can they push for the winning line.
Dublin are certainly beatable – you will recall how badly they struggled to score from play in their last outing, going 30 minutes before they raised a white flag.
Of course, it is the goals that propel the Dubs to a higher level and a reasonable metric here might conclude a Dublin goal is worth five points to them in terms of energy, momentum and confidence. The fans react, the noise levels increase and the opposition can get caught up and be disorientated a little.
Donegal squeezed by Armagh by an unimpressive single point but will have used the three weeks since to forensically analyse the system of their opponents. I accept the Ulster side are not playing as well as they did in 2012 when they won Sam, but I will argue they have more talented players this time around.
Michael Murphy is the their talisman – Dublin don't have such a single influential player and rely on the crucial contribution of five or more key players. But the problem for Donegal is they only have one Michael Murphy and though they need to play him closer to goal they can't afford to do so. It's the main reason they will fall short in the end.
Donegal's key goal will be to keep Dublin goalless. But how do you achieve that against proven goal scorers like the two Brogans, Kevin McMenaman, Eoghan O'Gara and Diarmuid Connolly?
It's a big ask and if Donegal are unable to ensure a big zero in the goal column anything more than a single goal concession will mean Dublin will win easy enough.
To achieve that goal, you can expect total defence from McGuinness' men. They will think nothing of four banks of three across their defence from the midfield back and might even spend periods with all 14 outfield players behind the ball. Most likely they will concede the Dublin kick outs automatically and reverse to their defence on deep frees.
It won't be pretty but it will be intriguing. Last Sunday we got an amazing finish to the Mayo versus Kerry game and this week the same potential is there.
Remember the game we got back in 2011 when Donegal were trying to establish themselves and Dublin felt they were good enough to be champions? Three years on from that, much has changed and both sides have the confidence that being a champion team brings.
Donegal are not as good as 2012 and Dublin are better than they were last year. It all points to reigning All-Ireland champions at this stage and I can't disagree. But strap yourself in for an amazing spin around Croke Park, at speed, and into previously untravelled territory.This promises to be the game of the season.
If Donegal prevent Dublin from scoring goals they might sneak a win. If they concede one, they will lose by four or five points. If they concede more than one goal, the winning margin might be anything.
Watch Donegal v Dublin live on RTÉ Two television from 1445. Also live on RTÉ Player and worldwide on GAAGO.
Live radio coverage on RTÉ Radio 1 on Sunday Sport from 1400.
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has warned not to expect instant miracles from Angel di Maria.
The highly-coveted Argentina international joined United this week in a record £59.7million deal from Real Madrid.
The 26-year-old has been handed the club's famous number seven shirt and his arrival has the potential to excite fans after a poor start to the season.
Van Gaal, however, has warned he cannot be expected to transform fortunes immediately.
Van Gaal, speaking at a press conference to unveil Di Maria, said: "I am very pleased that we can have such a class player in our squad but you have many class players.
"For me it is also important that he is a team player and that is what I am liking in Di Maria - not only class, and that he can accelerate the game for us, but that he can also play in the interests of the team.
"That is why we have chosen this player and I hope he shall give us good results, but we cannot expect after two days' training sessions that he is the miracle what I already read (about).
"No, you have to work for the miracle and he knows that."
United are yet to win a match this season and on Tuesday were knocked out of the Capital One Cup in humiliating fashion, 4-0 by League One MK Dons.
Questions have been asked of Van Gaal's tactics, notably his 3-5-2 formation, and consequently where Di Maria would fit into that.
Van Gaal said: "I only buy players that can improve our philosophy so I have spoken already about his way of playing in the interests of the team.
"He can accelerate our play and our style of play but he fits in our philosophy.
"We cannot expect after two days' training sessions that he is the miracle what I already read (about)."
"But what he can do more than fit in our philosophy, is I can change the system for him and maybe I shall do that in the future, like I have already done against Swansea City.
"He played at Real Madrid not only as a wide wing player but also in midfield so that is also a reason why we are convinced he shall succeed."
Di Maria himself is happy to fit in wherever Van Gaal wishes to deploy him.
Di Maria, man of the match in last season's Champions League final, said: "It depends on the manager and where he wants to play me.
"I come here to work for the team and I am prepared to play in any position he wants to. I just want to help the club become successful again."
Di Maria is well aware of the significance of United's number seven, a shirt worn with distinction in the past by the likes of George Best, Steve Coppell, Bryan Robson, Eric Cantona, David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Di Maria and Ronaldo were key members of Real's Champions League-winning side last season and the Argentinian asked the Portuguese star about United.
He said: "I was aware of the importance of the number seven shirt. "Cristiano Ronaldo had spoken to me at Real Madrid and told me how important it was.
"I wanted to wear this shirt and do as much for the club as Ronaldo and the others could do.
"The club also wanted me to wear it so I want to live up to it." Di Maria is likely to go straight into the squad for Saturday's Barclays Premier League trip to Burnley but Van Gaal has not indiciated whether he might start.
The draw for the the Champions League group stages is taking place in Monaco.
Watch the draw live on RTÉ.ie/sport
Five-time winners Liverpool are included for the first time since 2009/10 and could face a tough draw from pot three.
Arsenal, who confirmed their place in the draw with last night's nervy win over Besiktas, are in pot one with Chelsea, while Manchester City are in pot two.
There will be eight groups, with each containing one team from each pot, while no group can contain more than one side from a single country.
POT ONE: Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Benfica, Atletico Madrid, Arsenal, Porto.
POT TWO: Schalke, Dortmund, Juventus, Paris St-Germain, Basel, Shakhtar Donetsk, Manchester City, Zenit.
Written By Unknown on Rabu, 27 Agustus 2014 | 23.06
Updated: Wednesday, 27 Aug 2014 16:23 | Comments
Will he? Won't he? Johnny Sexton is considering an offer to move back to Leinster from Racing Métro
Leinster CEO Mick Dawson has officially confirmed that the IRFU are in talks with Racing out-half Johnny Sexton to bring the player back to Ireland.
Earlier this week, the Irish Independent reported that a deal to bring Sexton back to Leinster had been done; however, there was no official confirmation this was true from any party.
Speaking today at the announcement of a new five-year sponsorship deal with Bank of Ireland, Dawson said: "Myself and Philip Browne(CEO of the IRFU) have met Johnny and put an offer on the table.
"I'm sure he's getting offers from Toulon and Racing Metro. John has said in his last interview that he's made up his mind and we're waiting on his decision. That's where the situation is at."
"We've put a very good offer forward on the table" - Leinster CEO Mick Dawson
Dawson continued: "If it's just down to pounds, shillings and pence, I'm sure they (Racing Metro and Toulon) can outbid us.
"I'm not sure what they are prepared to put on the table.
"We've put a very good offer forward on the table.
"He's comfortable here, a lot of his friends are here, he grew up here and we hope that carries a lot of weight.
"I'm sure there must a lot of pressure in France, I hope that in the next week or two, we should have the answer."
Fernando Torres has struggled to live up to his £50m transfer fee at Chelsea
AC Milan are hoping to acquire Chelsea pair Fernando Torres and Marco van Ginkel before the end of the summer transfer window.
The Rossoneri want to bring Torres on a season-long loan following the departure of Mario Balotelli to Liverpool.
AC Milan club administrator Adriano Galliani has confirmed the outfit has made an official offer to Chelsea for 21-year-old Dutch midfielder Van Ginkel.
Galliani said on AC Milan's official website, www.acmilan.com: "We are in the last stages of the (transfer) market and we will see if we are able to acquire an important forward. This is our main aim.
"Torres is certainly an important forward and we will see if we can sign him or another player.
"Van Ginkel? It's possible. We have written to Chelsea and are awaiting a response. We are optimistic."
Daley Blind is believed to be a target for Louis Van Gaal
Ajax have told Manchester United they will not be able to sign Daley Blind on the cheap.
The need for reinforcements at Old Trafford was laid bare in the most humiliating fashion on Tuesday night as United were dumped out of the Capital One Cup with a 4-0 defeat to MK Dons.
United's lack of depth was easy for all to see as fringe players like Anderson, Danny Welbeck, Javier Hernandez and Shinji Kagawa all failed to impress manager Louis van Gaal.
The new United boss made his fourth signing of the summer on Tuesday in the shape of Angel di Maria, who cost a British transfer record fee of £59.7million, and more new arrivals are expected before Monday's deadline.
Blind, a versatile Dutchman who can play left-back or in central midfield, is on Van Gaal's transfer wish list, but Ajax want to hold on to the player for another year so they will not let him go cheaply in this window.
"We believe that we currently have a strong team and want Daley to stay for another year," Ajax director of football Marc Overmars told Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf.
"Only if the absolute top price is paid is a transfer negotiable.
"Daley's management know how we feel at the moment. "Next year we will have a much more lenient policy, we are willing to talk with Daley and we will settle for a reasonable price."
Blind's agent Rob Jansen claimed on Tuesday United were yet to launch a bid to sign the 24-year-old son of former Holland international Danny Blind.
And Overmars said there had still been no enquiry from United for the player on Wednesday.
"There's some rumblings around Daley, some clubs enquired, but there is no concrete offer," the former Arsenal winger said.
"And with Manchester United, there is no contact at all."
Van Gaal, who is also interested in Arturo Vidal, hopes to include Di Maria in his squad for Saturday's trip to Burnley.
The Argentina international was not present at United's galling defeat at stadium:mk, but he will no doubt be aware of the club's poor plight.
Van Gaal's team have taken one point from their opening two Premier League fixtures and the 63-year-old conceded last week it would take a "miracle" for United to lift the trophy in May.
Di Maria wants to win silverware with United, but his immediate ambition is to help the club finish in the top four.
"I want to achieve great things with Manchester United and I would like to win many trophies with them," the former Real Madrid man told MUTV.
"One of the objectives and one of the goals would be to actually get back into the Champions League."
Di Maria's form at the World Cup was one of the main reasons why United had to pay so much for the former Benfica man.
The winger was named on the shortlist for player of the tournament, even though he missed the final defeat to Germany and the last-four encounter against Holland, who were then managed by Van Gaal.
The prospect of playing under Van Gaal excites Di Maria, who has signed a five-year contract with United.
"I am looking forward to working with Louis van Gaal, he is a very good manager and he did very well with Holland during the World Cup," he said.
Di Maria hopes the presence of compatriot Marcos Rojo and fellow Spanish speakers like Juan Mata, David de Gea and Ander Herrera will help him settle in at United, where the players have been instructed to speak English to each other.
"I don't speak English at the moment, so to have people who speak Spanish is a big help for me," Di Maria added.
"I hope I will be able to learn English very quickly and get used to the city very quickly."
