We can confirm that Guglielmo Vicario will undergo surgery next week on a hernia. The minor procedure for the Italy international goalkeeper has been timed to have as minimal impact on our season as possible.
The Republic of Ireland earned a spot in their UEFA play-off path by finishing second in qualifying Group F. Troy Parrott's sensational hat-trick in Budapest ensured that the Boys in Green clinched second ahead of Hungary.
Ireland's rugby squad depth is an obsession, particularly given the confrontational and dangerous nature of the sport. Compared to top nations, Ireland faces a disadvantage.
Heimir Hallgrimsson was dealing with run-of-the-mill queries about Bosun Lawal, Conor Coventry and the other minutiae of his squad announcement when a general question about his love for the Ireland role prompted the Icelander to reveal that he had signed a new contract earlier that morning.
