It’s the day of our big clash with the Spanish, and the Irish are fighting for their World Cup survival. But according to the media our boys have their domestic future at the forefront of their mind.
NONENSE!
The task at hand today seems impossible to all, but those people in our little nation of a couple of million people. Our chances have already been written off, what with the news being dominated by England’s 3-0 won over the Danes. But we know that’s nonsense too. We are one of the most feared nations in Football, with countries terrified of the thoughts of being drawn with us. Blistering pace with Keano and the Duffer. Solid midfield, and a consistent back line with the final man being that of the best Goalkeepers in Europe. Can we do it in 90 minutes? Who knows, can it go to a golden goal? Who knows? Will it go to penalties? If it does we have the best Goalkeeper, who has a good record from spot kicks, having saved two out of three for Newcastle last season, 01-02'.
So with all this on our boy’s minds, surely their Domestic careers are all but certain to get brighter, and their price tag to go up?
The Duffer was worth between GBP£7-8 mil, before the tournament. His movement to another club would now be estimated at around GBP£20mil. Now that’s impressive. Steve Finnan may not have even got a kick if Spurs defender Steve Carr had been fit to join the Irish squad - but he has grabbed the opportunity with both hands. He’s gone up to a staggering GPB£6.5mil.
Other Irish boys with a price tag on their heads
IAN HARTE: GBP£3mil, Cash-strapped Leeds may sell - Everton, Man City and Villa are interested
GARY KELLY: GBP£3mil, Sunderland have all but got his signature
STEVEN REID: GBP£2.5mil, Millwall will surely lose their boy wonder to Spurs, West Ham or Everton
MATT HOLLAND: GBP£10mil, anyone who thinks Mattie will stay in the Nationwide Div1, as Mick would say "Is Crazy" £3.5M
KEVIN KILBANE: GBP£3.5mil, Gone up about GBP£1mil so far. Most likely a return to former club, and newly promoted West Bromwich Albion
CLINTON MORRISON: GBP£5 mil, Like Stephen Reid our Palace striker now targeted, and it seems Steve Bruce wants him at newly promoted Birmingham City. But again, this is the last thing on our Boys minds. We want to win today and progress to the quarter finals of the World Cup.C’mon Boys!
TODAY'S TEAMS
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND: Given, Finnan, Staunton, Breen, Harte, Kelly, Kinsella, Holland, Kilbane, Duff, and Robbie Keane.
SPAIN: Casillas - Puyol, Hierro, Nadal, Juanfran, Enrique, Valeron, Baraja, Pedro - Raul, Morientes.
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