Ireland (National Football)

At every level, it’s a refreshing reminder of all that is wonderful about sport that one of the greatest honours one can experience is to represent their country.

Football is no different. From kids enjoying a kick-about in the street to professionals waiting for the chance to walk onto the pitch, clad in their nation’s colours for the first time; it is irrefutably one of the greatest feats anyone with hope of progressing in the game can have.

However, the modern game is not always a pretty one. Relentless financial fixation, mercenary players switching club allegiances at the drop of hat, along with what sometimes seems like an endless list of disheartening issues constantly dominate the back pages today.

However, the dream of playing for one’s international team, one that you’d assume every player possesses is a quaint reminder of the simple joys in football.

Considering this, it’s difficult to fathom why a young player, not to mention an extremely talented one, would repeatedly turn down the calls of their country’s manager.

Step forward the ironically named, Stephen Ireland.

Despite his eccentric/borderline insane behaviour we have seen in the past, Ireland continues to thrive in the Premier League. Ignoring the grotesque SUV complete with luminous pink wheels, and the Superman boxers Sunderland fans must cheerily remember, we are talking about a player who has survived Manchester City’s financial assault of the transfer market, and come out looking better than ever.

So why isn’t Ireland, easily one of the most technically accomplished men eligible for Giovanni Trapattoni's squad playing in vital World Cup qualifiers?

Trapattoni is doing a wonderful job with what is honestly, an average Irish squad. Second only to the reigning world champions Italy and with qualification well and truly in their own hands, things are certainly looking better than they did under Steve Staunton’s best forgotten reign 18 months ago.

However, despite the positive results, there are underlying worries. Take this weekend’s game away to Cyprus for example. When your midfield partnership of Glen Whelan and Keith Andrews fails to impose themselves against the Cypriots, it raises concerns.

The one dimensional nature of the combination, which is often completely devoid of creativity, frequently disappears completely, not something that inspires fans with the world’s biggest competition just around the corner.

The other options? Darron Gibson of Manchester United has shown glimpses of brilliance on the rare occasions when he has had the chance at club level, but you can understand Trapattoni’s unwillingness to throw on a player who is (on occasion) nowhere near the starting eleven at United.

The two Reid’s, Andy and Stephen, offer hope, but considering Stephen’s crushing injuries over the past three years and Andy’s ever-expanding waist line, it's faint hope at best.

With South Africa 2010 approaching, Ireland are in need of a composed midfielder, capable of calmly picking out a pass and dictating the flow of the game, without resorting to needless long balls as soon as the slightest hint of pressure hits, something regular viewers will have become sadly accustomed to.

Stephen Ireland, based on his Premiership exploits, is capable of filling the role. But despite the squad’s desperation for a player of his quality, would he be welcomed back in?

After dropping out of the Ireland squad for an important qualifier against the Czech Republic in 2008 to supposedly bury a gaggle of grannies, only for it to later emerge that his real reasons were to be with his girlfriend who had recently suffered a miscarriage, eyebrows were certainly raised.

But his decision not to return to the squad amidst rumours that he’d suffered some stick at the hands of his team mates in regard to his alleged hair transplant raised them even further and severely questioned his loyalty to the national cause.

Ever since then, he has ignored the calls of Giovanni Trapattoni, one of the most respected managers in the game, describing it as, "the best decision I ever made,” in the process.

In my eyes, the eccentric, but still forgivable behaviour displayed during Grannygate has transcended into downright disloyalty, something no fan wants to see in the national squad.

At the minute, it appears that Ireland isn’t donning the green jersey for one reason. He doesn’t care. A player possessing his exhilarating ability could quite easily find a place in the squad.

But when the player in question doesn’t appear to have the devotion and drive required to represent their country at the very highest level, then is his presence really required?

Cyprus 1 - 2 Republic of Ireland

“The performance over 90 minutes was depressing; it exposed the limitations of the coach’s philosophy.”

Too often Eamonn Dunphy spews nonsense from his comfortable chair in the RTE studio. Presumably God has graced us with his presence to deflate the Irish nation. It is his favourite pastime.

But on this occasion, Dunphy had a point, watching Ireland was depressing last night. Let’s not be fooled by the result. There is still a lot of improvement needed by the men in green.

At times last night it seemed Cyprus were the team ranked 38 while it was Trapattoni’s men who were ranked 76 in the world.

The Cypriots were intent on playing football. Ireland resorted to long, hopeless balls into Robbie Keane and Kevin Doyle. The pair were devoid of any service all night.

During the first quarter of an hour, things seemed rosy for Ireland. The demons of the 'Nicosia Horror Show' back in October 2006 were soon banished when Kevin Doyle opened the scoring.

Stephen Hunt fired a corner in. Sean St. Ledger and Keith Andrews ensured the ball remained in the home side’s box. The ensuing scuffle saw the ball find Doyle who pivoted and fired past Avgousti.

The Irish held a narrow one goal advantage, and their early advantage should have seen them grow in confidence and put the game beyond the Cypriots.

Instead their midfield went missing, surrendering possession needlessly, with their ball retention skills were non-existent.

Neither Keith Andrews or Glenn Whelan are palpably good enough in midfield. Both show credible determination, both are tenacious but neither are creative.

Ireland miss a link between the forwards and midfield. The return of Steven Reid will be welcomed by all, if he ever returns, while a new, slimline, Andy Reid deserves a chance.

The Cypriots pressure eventually paid off on the half hour mark. A great tackle by Richard Dunne was rendered pointless when moment later the ball fell to Ilia who rifled a shot past Shay Given in goal.

“The choice of Hunt tonight ahead over McGeady was very telling. He [Trapattoni] prefers in your face aggression which Hunt gives you, to technical ability and the danger McGeady poses”.

Another valid point made by Dunphy. The arrival of the Celtic winger signalled the Italian’s intent. Victory was a must with Italy and Bulgaria winning.

The pace of McGeady posed a different threat to the home sides' defence. Caleb Folan replaced Kevin Doyle as Ireland looked to deploy the “root one” tactic more effectively.

Yet it was two stalwarts of this Irish team who rescued all three points on the night. Robbie Keane and Damien Duff combined to snatch a 2-1 victory.

It was a temporary flash back to the glory days of the Mick McCarthy-Saipan era when the Irish squad was brimming with talent and the duo of Keane and Duff were at the height of their powers.

A right footed cross by Duff tempted Avgousti off his line. Keane leaped ahead of the keeper’s outstretched fists and nodded into the empty net for what turned out to be the winner.

The Irish dug in and saw out the remaining eight minutes.

So what does this mean for Group eight?

Italy remain in pole position with 17 points, Ireland are just behind on 16 points while Bulgaria are third on 12 points. Both Italy and Bulgaria have a game in hand over the Irish, albeit against each other.

The tie against the Italians at Croke Park on October 10 will be crucial. The Azzurri won’t be fazed by an Irish side branded as “modest, without ideas, slow and predictable”.

As a spectator that night in Bari, it is a fair assessment by the Italians of an average Irish side which failed to penetrate the defence of Cannavaro and co, despite holding a one man advantage.

Yet regardless of the team’s flaws, Trapattoni deserves credit. Most Irish fans will admit that the manager is working with a limited side.

He has reaped the awards from a side that is devoid of any real flair or creativity. He has instilled an honest work rate and settled on a solid formation.

The fact remains Ireland are still unbeaten and their hopes of participating in South Africa 2010 lay very much in their own hands.

Of course I can't end this debate without allowing Eamonn Dunphy to have a final word.

"When kids see Lionel Messi, Steven Gerrard, or Ronaldo they want to go out in the park and do what they've seen the guys do the night before. Nobody wants to go out in the park in the morning and hit the ball 60 yards up in air".

The younger generation of Ireland may not be inspired by the long-ball playing style of the men in green in this qualifying campaign. But an appearance in South Africa would create heroes and once more install a sense of pride in the nation.

It's not pretty but it has proven effective, though the Italians await.

Ipswich Town's Shane Supple has taken the decision to retire from professional football at the tender age of 22 after he "fell out of love" with the game.

In a fitting final act before retiring, the young star saved the final Shrewsbury penalty in last week's Carling Cup tie, which sent the Tractor Boys through to the next round.

There is a large Irish contingent at Ipswich, all are U-21 regulars, and one of new manager Roy Keane's first acts was to reward the club's future stars with contract extensions, and Supple was given a 12-month extension in the summer.

The young 'keeper was instrumental in Ipswich winning the much coveted FA Youth Cup in 2005, and was widely tipped to be a future star in the game despite his small size for a 'keeper—a relatively diminutive 6'1".

Discussions between Ipswich, Supple, and Roy Keane have been ongoing for some time after the youngster made it known how unhappy he was. Both club and manager tried to talk him out of walking away from the game but to no avail.

A statement from Shane on the club site read:

"Playing professional football is not something I want to continue doing," the 22-year-old Dubliner said after his contract with the club was cancelled by mutual consent.

"As you grow up you realise there are other things in life and to be honest, the game is not what I thought it was."

"There is not one reason why I have made my decision, there are a number of factors," he said.

"But deep down my heart is not in the game any more and I’m not going to go into work every day trying to convince myself that it is, so it’s the right time for me to walk away.

"I suppose you could say that I have fallen out of love with the game and when that happens I’ve always said to myself that I wouldn’t hang around."

Conspiracy theorists were quick to jump to the conclusion that Roy Keane's arrival at Portman Road caused Supple's decision, especially as there are rumours doing the rounds that many of Ipswich's players are unhappy with the new regime in one way or another.

But Supple quashed those thoughts with a further statement where he thanked Keane for his support and advice after he stated his intentions that he wanted he retire.

"He was a bit shocked when I told him and I expected that but he understood my reasons—he's been first class.

"I've worked with some great people in my time at Ipswich and had some great times at the club. It's a fantastic club and I'll continue to follow Ipswich's fortunes."

Ipswich chief executive Simon Clegg added: "It's obviously disappointing news for us but we respect Shane's reasons and we wish him every success for the future."

While football fans everywhere scratch their heads at the news of someone so young retiring from their dream job, they really don't know what life as a professional sportsman or woman is like.

Football in particular is a sport that is built on bullying and peer pressure, youngsters come into the game as starry eyed 14 or 15-year-old with the idealistic views that if you train hard enough you will make it and that only the most dedicated players get picked for the first team.

Very often they find that player wages are based on appearances and that the nice old pro who will take the new kid under his arm does not exist, because the youngster is a direct rival for his job.

For this reason, many youngsters are pushed to one side as their fellow team mates ostracize them within their own clubs, and they come to realise that everyone is out for themselves.

Until you actually break into the first team. When you achieve this, the team bonding actually begins once you're named in the team, the win bonus depends on everyone helping each other.

There are no win bonuses in reserve team football and as a result the games become souless matches where everyone is out for themselves.

For reasons of peer pressure, lack of alternatives, lack of education, or any number of others, many players opt to go through the motions in a career that will never bring them the happiness they once thought it would. Very few have the courage to act on it though.

In the end players stay in the game only to make a living. They fall out of love with it. They fail to appreciate their supporters, their employers, and then they become the cynical old pro who held them back when they first started out.

The game becomes a vicious circle.

One person who will actually understand and appreciate Supple's decision is his ex-manager Roy Keane and he released a statement yesterday to share his thoughts on the matter.

"I spoke to Shane on Wednesday and I was disappointed when he told me the news (of his decision)," Roy said.

"If you had told me that one of my players was going to retire from the game this week, Shane would have been a long way down the list. He's an excellent pro and a good kid and while I'm disappointed that he feels football is not for him anymore, I respect and admire him for making what is brave decision.

"Sometimes people play sport just because they are good at it and they are not in love with the game and Shane has said that he has fallen out of love with the game over the last year or two.

"Everyone at Ipswich wishes him well in whatever he does. He's an intelligent lad and I'm sure he will go on and be good at whatever he chooses to do and he knows he has an open invitation to come back and watch a game whenever he wants to."

In a funny way both Keane and Supple are kindred spirits. They are sure of their convictions, and know that the only opinion that counts is your own.

They both believe in making your own destiny and not going with the flow.

Because the only thing that goes with the flow is dead fish.

One of the greatest contributors to the sport we love passed away yesterday morning. Sir Bobby Robson died after a long battle against cancer. Since his parting, the football world has moved quickly to remember one of the greats.

In passing, Sir Bobby has moved into legendary status. And rightly so.

His career on the pitch lasted over 20 years, taking him from the lights of London with Fulham, to West Bromwich Albion and Vancouver. And even though he never played for one of the fashionable clubs, he still went on to win 20 caps for England as an inside forward.

But the management side of the game was where he really made his name. In a career that started with Fulham in 1968, Sir Bobby went on to manage his home country, as well as eight clubs spread across four countries and then finishing his career as a special consultant for Ireland before taking on an ambassador role for the Emerald Isle's footballing federation, the FAI.

To say that Bobby Robson impacted upon many lives during his 49 year football career would be a bit of an understatement.

And with his passing, the most striking thing about all of the comments being made of the man are the fact that he was always seen as a gentleman who carried himself with great dignity.

He had his fair share of ups and down during his life within the game. You can't have such a long career and not. But Robson never let himself down. He carried himself with an air about him, a gravitas.

I met Sir Bobby two years ago. On the day that Steve Staunton was sacked as manager of Ireland, and as a result, Robson was removed from his post as a special consultant.

In the lead up to Staunton's sacking, the nation's press were in overdrive. Phone-in shows talked about nothing but Staunton. The general populace hated their most capped player of all time, and we wanted his head on a platter.

It was the least kept secret in Irish football. Staunton was going to be sacked sooner rather than later, and Robson would pay the price and go with him.

During Robson's year at Steve Staunton's side, sickness had begun to take over his life. With his health beginning to fail, Staunton was robbed of his chief adviser, and as such, he was at the helm of a ship that he didn't know how to steer.

The period with Ireland was ultimately disappointing for Sir Bobby. He couldn't give his best to Steve and the FAI, and in the end, as with all of football, the manager was sacked for not getting results. Robson's health wasn't even considered as a factor and Staunton paid the price.

The hastily convened meeting by the FAI for Staunton's sacking took place and both he and Robson were removed, Irish football fans rejoiced in Stan being removed but great sympathy was felt was Robson across the country.

With Ireland's football fans and media looking for blood on the floor, the FAI looked to get both Staunton and Robson out of the limelight.

Staunton went back home for a sabbatical while Robson was flown back to England immediately after the meeting.

As he was being driven into the VIP section of the Airport in Dublin, I walked out of the reception.

Initially I was struck dumb a little. Being a massive football fan, of course I knew who he was, and the FAI bouncer and officials who were with him, knew that I knew who he was too.

The FAI officials had reached their worst fears. They had happened upon a couple of Irish football fans who knew who Robson was (he was English too you know), and that there was a pretty good chance that we had also wanted Staunton to be sacked, that much was true.

The first thing that struck me about Robson was how big he was. Even at 74, he seemed well over 6ft and was still well built. I can only think of how big a man he must have been in the prime of his health still playing football.

His left arm was in a splint. I had seen one before after my grandmother had a stroke some years before. He was shaking very slightly and was obviously in the middle of one of his great battles with cancer.

With all things considered, the FAI officials, quite understandably, wanted to move him through as quickly as possible.

We were still just looking at Robson and his aides. You never know how you're going to act in such situations. I wasn't exactly dumb-struck but I didn't want to interfere either.

On the other hand, this was going to be one of the only chances in my life to actually meet someone who really was a legend.

So I plucked up the courage and moved forward towards the car.

Immediately the FAI's officials moved to block my path, but Robson smiled and told them that it was "quite alright lads."

I walked up to him and he put his hand out to shake mine. I thanked him for that. Before I went on to thank him for his contribution to football in general, saying that I was sorry for how things had worked out with Ireland and that I wished him all the best.

He thanked us, I can't exactly remember what he said but it was something along the lines of "Thank you lads. You know, I wish my time with Ireland could have been a little different, but you know..."

"It's always nice to meet nice young lads who love the game as much as me."

We talked a little more, more small talk really. But it was nice.

In the end, he said he had to go after the FAI officials reminded him about his flight schedule.

One of them then turned to us and thanked us for being nice to Robson!

I think the point in telling this meaningless little story is to show Robson's character.

He was visibly suffering with his health, and had just been sacked by Ireland. He had every reason in the world to walk right by us and say nothing. We wouldn't have said anything if he did, in fact we expected him to.

But he chose to stay for a few moments. He gave us a little time, and in effect, he taught us a little lesson. You always carry yourself with dignity and with a respect for others.

I didn't know Bobby Robson. But I'll miss him. Football is a lesser place without him.

Shamrock Rovers came within two minutes of a historic result in Tallaght tonight, as debutant Karim Benzema's 88th-minute goal gave visiting Real Madrid the victory their play so scarcely deserved.

Cristiano Ronaldo, who played from the start, struggled to make any impact on the game as the £80 million man came in for close attention from the Rovers defenders. Some of the tackles in this "friendly" may have left Pellegrini worried about his star man, and he was later withdrawn at half time.

All eyes were on the Portuguese to perform, and when Madrid won a free kick within his range the entire crowd drew a hushed breath, only for Ronaldo to send the resulting free kick around 20 yards wide.

With Shamrock Rovers riding high in the League of Ireland, manager Michael O'Neill took the chance to rest some of his key players. The league's top scorer, Garry Twigg, was left on the bench with a couple of other regulars as The Hoops took the game to Madrid.

The best chance of the first half fell to Sean O'Connor, who beat his man when cutting in from the right before he fired a rasping shot just wide of Dudek's post.

Gago was patrolling midfield like a player who knows his position is under threat, and he put in a couple of crunching tackles that might have drawn red cards, had the game been a serious one.

The second half was an open affair with both sides going close to opening the scoring. Karim Benzema, who came on for the lacklustre Ronaldo, looked every inch the £40 million that Madrid paid for him.

His first touch was exquisite, and on more than one occasion did he leave his part time opponents bamboozled.

Both teams used the match as a training exercise, and the lucky 11,000 who packed into the Tallaght stadium got their monies worth. And with the vast majority of the home crowd cheering every Rovers touch, the home side pushed Madrid hard.

The two teams exchanged chances as the excellent Van der Vaart's overhead kick was just saved by Robert Duggan, and at the other end, Tadhg Purcell had a headed effort cleared off the line after he lost his marker from a Rover's corner.

As the game moved toward its end, and as Rovers began to tire, gaps began to open up through the rear gard that had played so well throughout the match.

Benzema exploited such a gap as he raced through on goal and finished easily to give Madrid the win and to bring an end to a hugely successful pre-season training camp in Ireland.

With Platinum One and Carton House, now both regarded as leaders in their fields in Europe, it would seem that this might not be the end of seeing teams like Real Madrid playing in Tallaght.

And on this evidence, Rovers came out of the game with huge credit.

But the game moves on, and with this friendly already a memory, one can look forward to Bohemian's taking on Red Bull Salzburg in the 2nd Round of the Champions League on Wednesday. The tie is poised at 1-1, and Bohs know their future is in their own hands.

Shamrock Rovers: Murphy (Duggan HT), Flynn (Treacy HT), Maguire (Madden 88), Sives (Price HT), Bermingham (Cahill HT), Robinson (McGill), Rice, Jurco (Purcell HT), O'Connor (Twigg), Amond (Baker), Gal-Andrezly (Bradley HT).

Substitutes Not Used: Coleman.

Real Madrid: Dudek, Torres (Salgado HT), Pepe (Garay HT), Metzelder (Heinze HT), Marcello (Drenthe HT), Ronaldo (Sneijder HT), L Diarra (Tebas Ramiro), Gago (Van Der Vaart HT), Guti (Parejo HT), Higuain (Negredo HT), Raul (Benzema HT).

Substitutes Not Used: Adan Garrido, Velayos, Garcia.

James McCarthy's growing reputation as the best teenage player in Britain received another huge endorsement this week when he picked up the SPL's Young Player of the Year award.

The hottest midfield prospect around has earned huge plaudits this season with the maturity of his performances in a team that have flirted with relegation this season.

With McCarthy in the engine room, the Accies have given some of the established teams in the SPL a real run for their money this season. From a personal point of view, McCarthy has had a massively successful season, with 33 appearances and six goals, the Irish U-21 international has caught many eyes.

In recent times the youngster—who was born in Scotland, but who chose to play for Ireland due to his heritage—has come in for much abuse from opposing fans, who deem him a traitor. But probably the most unsettling aspect in the abuse that James has had to endure is that papers such as the Daily Record have also waded in against him.

Fans from club like Motherwell, Dundee United, and Rangers in particular have reserved special abuse for the youth. Songs like the infamous "Famine Song" have been directed at the player, and as a result the FAI have met with the SFA to discuss this particular song.

He made his debut for Hamilton when he was 15, and at the age of 16 had established himself as a fixture in their promotion winning team. Now at 18 he has played 94 games for the Accies scoring 15 goal,s so you can appreciate that James is somewhat of a prodigy.

He is blessed with strength and power and has a tireless engine. He is a very simple passer of the ball and has found the net on no less than eight occasions. At this stage of his career he is usually compared with Roy Keane or Steven Gerrard.

Indeed, Liverpool had pinpointed the youth as a potential successor to their attacking midfield general as early as 2007, when they approached Hamilton with a bid believed to have been in around the £1m mark.

And it's not only Liverpool who have stood up and taken notice of the teenage prodigy. Clubs like Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Deportivo La Coruna, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid have all sent scouts to check out the player who is deemed as one of the best prospects in Europe.

It is most probably this potential added to the fact that James has declared for Ireland that has singled him out for some sickening abuse during certain matches. But the youth has shown an incredible maturity, and has dealt with the verbal attacks with great skill.

McCarthy's grandfather is from Donegal, and it is through his ancestry that he has been able to declare for Ireland. James' grandfather left Ireland in the '30s in search of work. That search eventually brought him to Castlemilk, Glasgow—an Irish enclave in Scotland.

Indeed another famous Glaswegian, Ray Houghton, was also from the same area and he too declared for Ireland. The people of Castlemilk consider themselves Irish and have celebrated everything Irish since the corporation estate was established.

At underage football James' talents began to show and he was left out of many Scottish squads while the SFA selectors dithered over whether he was good enough. But a chance meeting with Irish underage manager Sean McCaffrey would bring McCarthy's talents to the FAI.

A phone-call and a plane flight later McCaffrey found himself sitting in a living room in Castlemilk and the rest is history. Since then James has played at U-17, U-18, U-19, and U-21 level for Ireland, and is widely predicted to be part of Giovanni Trappatoni's future squad as Ireland strive to qualify for the World Cup in South Africa in 2010.

Billy Reid has had a massive influence on his young star, and with some sage guidance he has helped make McCarthy the player and more importantly the person he is today. And with the SPL being a notoriously tough physical league, he felt that one more season with the Accies would be best for James' development as a player.

No sooner had James picked up the young player award, when Portsmouth launched an audacious bid to bring the player to the Premiership. The formal bid was for £500,000 and was turned down without a thought. Hamilton did after all turn down £1m from Liverpool two seasons ago...

The Accies Chairman, Ronnie McDonald also confirmed that the club turned a bid for James down in January, but the club in question asked not to be named.

"There have been other offers for him but he is still young," McDonald said.

"We really look after the young boys here and, while we will be delighted to see them moving on when the time is right, we would like to have an input in progressing them to the right club for them when they do go."

While MacDonald would not confirm the fee offered by the English Premier League side, he said: "If Aaron Ramsey went to Arsenal from Cardiff for £5m, then who knows what James might be worth.

"He is the outstanding player of his generation."

Imagine a land without football.  I lived there.  Well, not the football that I was used to.

I was born in Pittsburgh but grew up in Ohio.  No jokes yet, please!  I didn't have to live in Pittsburgh to know that my team was the Steelers: it was in my roots, and the team was making history.  

I gravitated toward watching the games, just myself and my Dad.  His only rule was to listen and learn—questions would be answered during commercial breaks.  

I was a member of Pittsburgh diaspora, watching the odd game, combing the sports columns of the Columbus Dispatch gleaning for articles on my team among the columns weighed down with news of the Buckeyes, Browns and Bengals.  I subscribed to Sports Illustrated because it promised a chance of finding articles about my beloved team.  

My life as a Steeler fan had always been that of one who loved the team from afar.

Thinking back, following the Steelers was not my highest priority when I decided to take a work study opportunity that would offer me four months living in Dublin, Ireland.  It was just a bit further from Pittsburgh.

I landed in the midst of football mania completely oblivious to what I was walking into. This football, however was completely foreign to me.  

I was about to experience my first World Cup in a European country that was taking its first ever trip to the finals.  

I had no framework through which to understand the rules of the matches that I watched, but I had a team!  The Republic of Ireland put forth a spectacular effort, exceeding expectations and advancing as far as the quarterfinals.  

The experience of watching a city literally stop and pour into the nearest pub was enough to be a deciding factor in my decision to settle and stay in Dublin for a while.

Throughout the World Cup, the Irish lived up to their reputation.  As the Irish say: "The craic was had" aka we took it over the top!

The dust settled and I satiated my love for sport by following the lead of most Dubliners and rooting for Manchester United.

The Internet was in its infancy so Steeler news came in the form of letters from home.  I lived with that.  

Keeping tabs on the team, I took a trip home to watch the team play in Super Bowl XXX. Feeling the devastation of losing to Dallas after the horrific play of Neil O'Donnell, it was easy to retreat to a Steeler-free oasis. 

It didn't take long for the oasis to wither into a desert.  I had seen my team get to a Super Bowl.  Watching Ryan Giggs put in solid performances on the left wing for United paled in comparison to watching the Steelers.

Seven years after I had left, the time had finally come to return to the States.

Distilling the essence of my life abroad is another story to tell someone else.  To my Steeler fan friends, an important lesson was learned.  I never take an opportunity to watch the Steelers for granted.

I would not trade the chance I had to live in Dublin for love nor money.  A broadened perspective brings insight where you may never have previously imagined.

I had grown up a follower and a fan but as an adult, I learned that life without Steeler football is simply unthinkable. 

Wolves secured promotion to the Premier League yesterday after beating QPR 1-0 thanks to a goal by Sylvan Ebanks-Blake, the club's top scorer this season, who bagged his 25th goal of the campaign.

After missing the previous three games through injury, Ebanks-Blake struck just after half-time to send the Molineaux faithful in the South Bank into rapture, and in doing so Wolves have gained top-flight status for the first time since 2004.

The prolific striker poked home from close-range after good work from quick footed Irish international Andy Keogh on the right hand side of the QPR box.

Rangers, who had sacked their manager Paulo Sousa last week, were at sixes and sevens for most of the match, and it was only a matter of time before the inevitable happened.

When it did, the Wolves fans nearly tore the roof off their famous stadium, Mick McCarthy leapt from the bench punching the air with delight but then quickly checked his watch to see how long the match had left, an agonizing 40 minutes.

Wolves were comfortable for the most part, but it would only take a momentary lapse in concentration or a bad decision by the referee or linesman and promotion would have gone begging.

But McCarthy was in no mood to allow such a thing. The ex-Ireland manager shouting advice and cajoling his team through the inevitable sticky patches that they had to go through.

They received a massive fright when QPR striker Rowan Vine's speculative shot deflected off Christophe Berra, and with the highly impressive Wayne Hennessy beaten in the goal, cannoned off the crossbar. Wolves fans were praying to whichever god would listen.

In the end, promotion was secured. Wolves fans and team mates hugged each other in delight; the Premiership beckons. A just reward for the best footballing team in the Championship.

Following Glenn Hoddle's disastrous period at the club, it was decided upon by the board to start again. The club was asset stripped of all its talent and a new manager, Mick McCarthy, was appointed to oversee the club's new outlook.

Since taking over in 2006, McCarthy has built this team on a shoestring, scouring the lower reaches of the game to snap up exciting players like Michael Kightley, Andy Keogh, and Stephen Ward to name but three.

Sylvan Ebanks-Blake was brought in from Plymouth Argyle, where he had amassed a reputation of being a decent prospect.

The ex-Manchester United youth had scored 22 goals in 66 matches for Argyle over three seasons, and McCarthy saw him as the vital cog his team were missing.

The young Englishman has repaid his manager's faith in spades, in his two seasons in the famous black and amber of Wolves, he has bagged a highly credible 37 goals in 60 matches.

Ebanks-Blake has Premiership written all over him, powerful, quick, strong, and good in the air, the midlands team will have to do everything in their power to hold on to him this summer, especially when established Premiership teams like Fulham and Wigan come calling.

Wolves, one of the many sleeping giants in English football, had a golden era in the '50s under legendary manager Stan Cullis. During that period they won the league three times and the FA Cup twice.

And as Wolves moved in to the '60s and as teams began to emulate their training methods and eventually surpass them, Cullis was sacked, thus bringing an end to their golden era.

McCarthy will bring a wealth of experience to the table having managed Sunderland on two previous occasions in the Premiership, and bringing Ireland to the World Cup in 2002.

But keeping his young Wolves team in the league would be his greatest feat, and despite the fact that they have won the Championship, they will start next season as firm favourites to go down.

But lets not dwell on negatives, Wolves have been promoted, deservedly so.

An emotionally drained Mick McCarthy spoke about his team's triumph after the match.

"I'm not sure I can articulate well enough how I'm feeling.

"I'm knackered, I'm beaming on the inside, I'm absolutely thrilled by our achievements. I'm very proud of the players, they've been brilliant all season long.

"It doesn't register, it doesn't sink in. It's not something you can really savour, you just enjoy the high of it for the moment and savour it when I wake up on Sunday."

And savour it he will. A just reward for one of the game's nice guys.

With a name like Ireland you would be led to believe that Manchester City's midfield maestro was born to play for his country.

To a degree, you would be right.

On a squad that boasts Shay Given, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Craig Bellamy, Nigel De Jong, Vincent Kompany and Robinho to name but a few, it has been Stephen Ireland—the young man who came up through Manchester City's acclaimed youth academy—who has been the club's best and most consistent performer this season.

Ireland has arguably been one of the top ten players in the English Premier League this season, while also performing well for Manchester City as they go in search of UEFA Cup glory.

However, to much upset and anger to the Irish public, Stephen Ireland has not played for his country since September 2007.

But who is at fault for this? 

Is it the player for bringing so much negative press on himself, or is it the Irish managerial setup of Giovanni Trapattoni, Marco Tardelli, and Liam Brady for not doing enough to bring this huge talent back to the international fold?

To those few that may not know the story, Stephen Ireland withdrew from the Irish squad days before a crucial game against the Czech Republic claiming that his maternal grandmother had died.

The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) granted him compassionate leave and arranged a private plane to fly him home.

However, the Irish media quickly ascertained that this was in fact a lie and found Ireland's maternal grandmother to be alive and well. The player then claimed it was in fact his paternal grandmother that had passed away.

Again, the media also discovered this to be an untruth.

Eventually, Ireland admitted he had lied and said the real reason he had returned home was because of his girlfriend suffering a miscarriage.

The FAI and then Irish manager Steve Staunton were furious at Ireland's lies, and claimed that had he told the truth they would have endeavoured to get him back to Ireland as soon as possible.

As it is, Stephen Ireland has not put back on the Irish shirt since then.

As well as the " Granny-gate" affair, Ireland also claimed to have been picked on by his Irish teammates over a reputed hair transplant.

It is understandable that Stephen Ireland and the international setup would need a break from each other.

Since these episodes in his life, Ireland has come on leaps and bounds as a player and a professional.

He returned early to pre-season training for Manchester City and the benefits are there for all to see. At times, he has left new record signing Robinho in the shade. He is the link man in the City midfield and isn't afraid to get back to help out his defence.

The international side too have built on the haphazard side that Stephen Ireland left behind.

The FAI opened up the coffers to bring in the hugely admired and experienced Italian Giovanni Trapattoni in order to steady the ship and guide Ireland towards South Africa.

In Group Eight of the Qualifiers, the Irish remain unbeaten with three wins and three draws, standing just two points behind reigning World Champions Italy.

So with both Stephen Ireland's personal career going well and the international side on the right road to South Africa, isn't it about time the two made up and Ireland returned to represent his country?

However there appears to be a stumbling block that may just be arrogance on both sides.

Upon his arrival as Irish coach, Trapattoni claimed to have had a meeting with Stephen Ireland to tell him he would welcome him back from international exile whenever the player felt ready. All he needed to do was call.

However, the Irish are now half way through the qualifying campaign and Ireland has yet to return to the fold.

Ireland are in a good position in their group and there is real belief that the country can at least make the two legged play-offs as they go in search of reaching their first major tournament since World Cup 2002 in Japan and South Korea.

The Republic have a decent defense in Shay Given, Richard Dunne and John O'Shea while Robbie Keane and Kevin Doyle supply the goals. However, Ireland are severely lacking in midfield.

That is where namesake Stephen Ireland comes into the frame.

He is the link man that the national side are so dearly crying out for. Against Italy last weak, Trapattoni sent out an inexperienced midfield of Stephen Hunt, Glenn Whelan, Keith Andrews and Andy Keogh.

While Whelan and Andrews are both willing and able to do their duty for their country, their ability to link the play as Stephen Ireland can do is incomparable.

At times, the Irish central midfield is almost non-existent. When Whelan or Andrews are subbed it is ofter Manchester United's fifth choice midfielder, Darron Gibson who enters the fray.

With Trapattoni claiming that one of the Republic's best passers of the ball, Sunderland's Andy Reid, does not fit his schema, Irish fans are beginning to wonder if the Italian is doing all he can to get the best available players at his disposal.

Stephen Ireland and his father have claimed through the media that the player made himself available for selection for the match against Georgia in February. The Irish setup said they "never received a call."

Who are the Irish public to believe in this situation?

The player who claims it is an honour to wear the shirt, an honour he would like to happen again? 

Or should we believe the Irish management ,who say they will consider Ireland once he makes that phone call?

Perhaps it is all too late, after all the campaign is half over.

Either way, the Republic of Ireland are in the best position they have been in a long time. It would be a terrible pity were the country to miss out on qualification because of an uninventive midfield while Superman is waiting in the wings.

Ireland’s epic win at the weekend has lifted a nation, as their first Grand Slam in 61 years temporarily relieved Irish minds concerned about the recession, unemployment and today’s turbulent economy.

As hangovers finally subside and the glory begins to fade, do not despair—there is tremendous hope for the future of Irish rugby.

So many times have Ireland been within a whisker of the Six Nations title, only for the players to seemingly wilt under the weight of expectation. The agony and frustration at every defeat was felt up and down the country, and the frequent misfortune cranked up the pressure every time the side took to the field.

Ireland’s plight has been so great that this year, expectations were not quite so high.  Everyone knew they were still a great side, but repeated failure had brought an expectation of continued under-achievement.

Now that Brian O’Driscoll’s men have proven their credentials as winners, they will continue to be winners for some time.

The similarity with Munster’s Heineken Cup odyssey is remarkable. So many times, the Munstermen would be denied glory in the last minute by a lucky bounce of the ball, or by the Hand of Back, and it felt like they were destined never to win the tournament.

When their day finally came in 2006 with victory over Biarritz, the sense of glory and relief was visible everywhere. And what has happened since then? Munster look almost unbeatable in Europe—they are the reigning champions once again, and clear favourites to defend their title this year.

In the same way, the next few years could bring continued success for Ireland. Whilst the ‘Golden Generation’ may be approaching the end of their careers, there is plenty of young talent that now has the experience of winning a Grand Slam—Jamie Heaslip, Tomas O’Leary, Luke Fitzgerald, and Rob Kearney, to name a few.

With one great success out of the way, Declan Kidney can lead his men to more and more victories, continuing to demonstrate an ability to win under any circumstances, rather than fighting valiantly in defeat.

Once the Lions return, if the national team can continue in this vein of form next season, they’ll become better and better, more comfortable in victory—and they may just make a decent fist of it in New Zealand in 2011.