Stokes drafted into the Ireland squad

RTÉ Sport: Stokes drafted into the Ireland squad

Stokes drafted into the Ireland squad
Friday, 27 March 2009 10:47

Sunderland striker Anthony Stokes has been called into the Republic of Ireland squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Bulgaria and Italy.

The 20-year-old, currently on loan at Crystal Palace, flew into Dublin last night after Newcastle winger Damien Duff was sent home with a hamstring injury which has ruled him out of both games.

With Celtic winger Aiden McGeady also battling against a foot problem, manager Giovanni Trapattoni has moved to strengthen his options.

Ronaldo: We can win the lot

"Believe" became something of a catch-cry in the final, tense moments of last season. Spelt out via thousands of coloured pieces of plastic held up by United fans, the word helped inspire the Reds to victory against Barcelona at Old Trafford and then against Chelsea in Moscow.

This season, too, the now-familiar mosaic appeared before United's successful Carling Cup win at Wembley, and its message is one Cristiano Ronaldo says he and his team-mates have taken on board.

"We’re positive about all the competitions we're involved in and we want to win them all," he says. "It would be great to achieve that.

"Last season we won the league and the European Cup, and this year we have the opportunity to do even better. We’ll continue working hard and we believe we can do this."

United's next opponents in the Champions League will be revealed on Friday morning when the quarter-final and semi-final draw takes place in Nyon, Switzerland.

NicNic Standing Freestyle..

My first Blog on Blogger.. Just took a few mins while the house was relatively quiet to wish everyone a great weekend - whatever you're up to...