If Dundalk get Celtic, Aviva Stadium could work against them

Dundalk achieved one of the biggest results in the club's European history by seeing off BATE Borisov over two-legs to reach the Champions League play-off round. With Tallaght Stadium needing numerous upgrades to make it fit by UEFA standards to host a tie in this round, the Aviva Stadium is looking more likely to be used by the Lilywhites for their home leg, and this could be to Dundalk's detriment if they do indeed draw Celtic.

For Extratime.ie: Keane feels best is yet to come from McCarthy

Roy Keane believes that James McCarthy's second half performance in the 1-1 draw with Poland in March is proof that his best is yet to come in a green shirt – but has told critics to lay-off the 24 year old.

For Extratime.ie: Maloney singled out for praise by Strachan

Scotland manager Gordon Strachan singled out Shaun Maloney for special praise after the 32 year old midfielder once again proved to be a thorn in the side of the Republic of Ireland, playing a key role in helping the Scots earn a point in Saturday's 1-1 draw at the Aviva Stadium.

For Extratime.ie: McClean reveals O'Neill instruction - "Just don't get beat."

James McClean has revealed Martin O'Neill's very specific instruction on what to do differently against Scotland at the Aviva Stadium this weekend following November's 1-0 defeat to the same opposition: “Just don't get beat.” 

For Extratime.ie: If pressure's a problem, you're in the wrong game

Roy Keane has insisted that the players in the Republic of Ireland squad won't buckle in the face of expectation when they take to the Aviva Stadium pitch for this weekend's crucial Euro 2016 qualifier against Scotland – and added: “If pressure's a problem to you, then you're in the wrong game.” 

For Extratime.ie: Strachan insists he doesn't know how to play for a draw

Scotland boss Gordon Strachan insists he wouldn't know how to play for a draw even if he wanted to – and has said that he already knows what his starting XI will be for Saturday's massive Euro 2016 qualifying clash against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin. 

For Extratime.ie: Strachan happy with ref; O'Neill not so much

Gordon Strachan said he was happy with the performance of Italian referee Nicola Rizzoli during Scotland's 1-1 draw with the Republic of Ireland at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday, despite the official and his team missing Jonathan Walters occupying an offside position in the build-up to the home side's goal. 

For Extratime.ie: Martin O'Neill - It's important for the nation

Republic of Ireland manager Martin O'Neill has not shied away from the enormity of this weekend's Euro 2016 qualifier against Scotland, saying: “It's important for the nation.”

Dunne and dusted: Sheriff claim second FAI Junior Cup

This match report was used on the Junior Soccer Portal website; this version can be viewed here.


Kilbarrack United   0     Sheriff YC   0 (AET)
(Sheriff win 5-4 on penalties)

Football can be as cruel as it is rewarding, and perhaps there is no better personification of this than the respective weeks endured by both Sheriff YC and Kilbarrack United. For one team, it is a case of celebrating a provincial and national cup double; for the other, it is a case of ruing chances not taken.