Regardless of what that "MEDIA" are reporting, Jason McAteer has offered an explanation for the latest reports of a row within the Irish camp, and claimed that he was never going to pack his bags and head home.
Mick was'nt happy as Jason was not 100% fit, so therefore he informed him that he would not be in the starting squad for the Germany game. And thats all, no fights in the Irish camp, nobody is going home, and Team Spirit is at an all time high. All of our 22 squad members are fit to play. So with McAteer starting, we can only assume the fight for the right-back place will be between Kelly and Finnan. Shay (dressed in StarWars costume above!) is confident that we can do it. He now has his own official website. Click on the link below and it is now in his FactFile on this home-page also.
FAI summoned by FIFA
FAI general secretary Brendan Menton has dismissed claims by FIFA security chief Walter Gregg that the Republic of Ireland team transported fans on the team bus. Gregg stated at a press conference: "Ireland transported not only their players but also fans and we had to intervene. We need absolute full control to protect the teams".
The FAI is not at all fussed about the alleged allegations. Sources close to the Irish camp are stating that the FAI would face sanction, most likely a fine if the FIFA claim proves true, but they are still strenuously denying that any such violations took place. FAI general secretary Brendan Menton has dismissed claims by FIFA security chief Walter Gregg that the Republic of Ireland team transported fans on the team bus. Menton said, "We have been made aware that FIFA made a statement about the FAI having supporters on the team bus. They were members of Mick's staff and the team chef - there were, categorically, no supporters on the team bus and FIFA security now accept that". Gregg stated at a press conference: "Ireland transported not only their players but also fans and we had to intervene. We need absolute full control to protect the teams"
And finally - Transfer round up for our boys
Ref: GBP= Great Britain Pounds, or Sterling
It’s normally around this time of the footballing calendar that transfers are being sealed for the up and coming seasons in the UK. And with a World Cup currently in full swing, it gives the world a chance to see what any player can do, but more importantly our Irish Lads.
Spurs defender, Steve Carr is currently probing interest from Arsenal. Carr who missed most of the last season and the World Cup through injury, is highly rated by Wenger and the price is somewhere around the GPB15 mil.
Relegated Ipswich town have almost conceded to the fact that Matt Holland may not be their captain for next season 02-03’. The Republic of Ireland midfielder has drawn interests from not only Manchester City, but as far away as Italy! George Burley stated that "he would not under any circumstances stand in Matties way. Theres around a GBP6mil price tag on him.
Gary Megson in the plight of newly promoted West Bromiwch Albion, wants Kevin Kilbane. Kilbane was with the Baggies before going to wearside and it just may be a lifeline for Kilbane to get himself away from the Boo-boys at the Stadium of Light - Estimated Fee GBP3mil.
Gary Kelly is all but a Sunderland player. What with the emerging Danny Mills at Leeds, Kelly has found himself out of favour at Leeds. When he returns from the World Cup the Republic of Ireland rightback will join Peter Reid for an undisclosed fee, probably in the region of GPB3mil.
As previously mentioned on this Website, Phil Babb has joined Sunderland for a fee of GBP2mill. This now makes Sunderland the club with the most Republic of Ireland players at all levels. At senior level for the Republic - Kevin Kilbane, Niall Quinn, Jason McAteer and now Phil Babb. At U21 level - Thomas Butler, Clifford Byrne, and U16 & 18 level - Keith Graydon, Stephen Capper, Glenn Lacey, Brendan McGill, Michael Reddy and Sean Thornton. It will see the reunion of the Spice Boys, with his former Liverpool and Republic of Ireland team-mate Jason McAteer now playing with Sunderland, as this was their nickname at Anfield. And we all remember the three Amigos in USA94 with Kelly, Babb and McAteer?!
Robbie Keane. Not sure about this one, but Reid at Sunderland has had him scouted many times last Season(01-02’). Reid is preparing for the almost inevitable loss of top striker Kevin Phillips this summer and views Keane as a ready-made replacement. Fee unknown, but thought to be in the region of GPB9-10mil.
Crystal Palace failed to make the top flight next season due to deterioration in their play towards the end of last season. However Birmingham City and Steve Bruce have got only one thing on their minds, and that’s Clinton Morrison. Chief Executive Karren Brady has confirmed that funds will be made available to Bruce as and when he needs them. Fee GBP5mil.
It seems Hector Cuper and Inter have been watching Leeds closely this season, as their interest in Ian Harte shows. Cuper has been searching for a top-class left back and the Republic of Ireland star has shot to the top of his list. A good World Cup could see his value rocket. Estimated fee GBP8 mil.
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