On the injury front Shay Given (hip), Gary Breen (calf) and Steve Finnan (hamstring) all sat out training today. While Steve Staunton (hamstring), Mark Kinsella (knee) and Matt Holland (rib) merely had a light jog, after the last battle against Germany. Reports from Chiba City today were that of a seven-a-side “Gaelic match” held by our boys, with great interest from our Asian friends as to what this Alien sport could be? Both Clinton Morrison and David Connolly were quick on the mark, and the latter of the two had obviously played this sport before!
And Jason McAteer is having a really bad a time, as his knee is deteriorating more by the day. Jason stopped taking anti- inflammatorys because of an upset stomach, and his damaged knee agaon became almost immediately inflamed. It’s too early to say whether or not he will be fit for next Tuesday.
The Football Association of Ireland issue Statement
The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) have announced that an independent external review will be launched to investigate the Associations organisation and preparations for the 2002 World Cup. And there are many grey areas that will require addressing, regardless of how well the Republic of Ireland progress or do not progress in this competition. There will surely be many recommendations put to the Association by the external review, such as the issues, which affected the entire squad in Saipan and in Izumo, Japan. The capabilities of the FAI, at all levels too must come under the spotlight. And all we can do is be positive, and remember –
"If we are ever to relive the memories of Stuttgart 1988, Genoa 1990 and the Giants Stadium 1994, then the passion and commitment not only on the field of play but in those Merrion Square office’s and all others in the FAI, are critical, if we are to ensure professionalism operates at all levels of the game "
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