SOCCER:DOUBTS SURROUNDING Keiren Westwood's fitness ahead of the Republic of Ireland's game against Macedonia on the 26th of this month seemed to be receding yesterday as reports from Coventry suggested he may have an outside chance of featuring in this evening's Championship game at Doncaster Rovers.
The 26-year-old, who is in line to make his competitive debut for Ireland due to Shay Given’s absence through injury, limped out of Saturday’s home defeat by Bristol City, having conceded three goals, and his replacement, Danny Ireland, also picked up a knock. Both are to assessed ahead of tonight’s game, with Westwood, who was linked at the weekend with a summer move to Aston Villa, expected to be back for Saturday’s visit of Hull City if he misses out tonight.
If it did come to pass, the loss of Westwood would be a major blow to Giovanni Trapattoni, who is already without Given as well as, almost certainly, experienced regulars Richard Dunne and Robbie Keane. Dunne’s absence on Saturday from the Villa team that played Bolton meant another run-out at centre back for Ciarán Clark, who could also get a first competitive cap against the Macedonians.
The defender was one his side’s strongest performers in a lively encounter but the yellow card he picked up, his 10th of the season, means a two-match ban for the 21-year-old, who will not now get another run-out for his club before the international break.
Having made his Premier League debut over the weekend for Wigan, recent signing Conor Sammon believes he can make a significant impact for the club over the coming weeks, a situation which would do the Dubliner’s international prospects no harm.
The former UCD, Derry City and Kilmarnock striker came off the bench in the game against Manchester City with six minutes remaining and almost grabbed an injury-time equaliser for Roberto Martinez’s side.
“It’s definitely possible to stay up,” says Sammon despite the defeat. “We’ve got a confident bunch of lads here at the club and we take it one game at a time. I’m very confident, too, that I can help the team and provide some goals, and if I can do that I’ll be delighted.
“I’m very focused on the job in hand and I am eager to help the team progress up the league table. When you get an opportunity off the bench it’s a great chance to show what you can do and stake a claim for a permanent place, and I’m looking forward to the next game when I can hopefully keep pushing.”
Ian Harte, meanwhile, is hoping Reading can build on Saturday’s defeat of Middlesbrough in which he scored twice, by beating Ipswich tonight to start putting some real pressure on his former club Leeds who occupy the last of the play-off places.
“It was nice to get a win,” said the 33-year-old. “It was nice to get on the scoresheet too, but most importantly it was good to get a win. Hopefully we can kick on from now.”
Ford have renewed their deal as vehicle sponsor with the FAI for a further four years. The company will also continue their backing of the FAI over the coming season before deciding on whether to take up an option to stick with the competition into the season beyond.
FAI Intermediate Cup, semi-final draw (Ties to be played week-ending Sunday, April 10th): Crumlin United v Avondale United; Belgrove/Cherry Orchard v Youghall United/Sacred Heart.
Senior Cup, first round draw (Ties to be played week-ending Sunday, March 20th): Drumcondra FC v Glebe North; Bangor Celtic v Bluebell United.
Second round draw (Ties to be played week-ending Sunday, April 17th): St Michaels/North End v Crumlin Utd; Greystones AFC v Winner Bangor Celtic/Bluebell Utd; Everton AFC v Fanad Utd; College Corinthians v Sherrif YC/Ballynanty Rovers/Springfield or St Peter’s Athlone; Tralee Dynamos v Loser Youghal Utdl/Sacred Heart; Rockmount v Carrick Rovers/New Ross Celtic/Cavan Town; Winner Youghall Utd/Sacred Heart v FC Carlow; Avondale Utd v Athenry/Pike Rovers; Loser Belgrove/Cherry Orchard v Midleton; Cobh Ramblers v Winner Belgrove/Cherry Orchard; Drumcondra/Glebe North v Douglas Hall.
