REPUBLIC OF IRELAND NEWS

Robbie Keane has admitted he is desperate to showcase his talents at the World Cup again before his career draws to a close.
The 27-year-old Republic of Ireland striker was part of his country's eventful trip to the World Cup in Japan and South Korea in 2002 when he emerged as a talent in the international scene.
However, Ireland have not made the finals of a major tournament since, and the Tottenham frontman is acutely aware that, even at his age, time is ticking by.
He said: "As you get older, you can see time going past you. I'm not getting any younger and I want to progress and push on and play in the World Cup again and Euros if I can.
"I have played in them before and they were a great experience and something I totally enjoyed, and I would really love to get another World Cup under my belt.
"Every kid's dream is to play in the World Cup and growing up in Dublin you watched the World Cup, Italia 90 and USA 94, and you always want to be a part of it.
"I was very lucky to do that, and when you have done that, you just want to do it again.
"For me, it was certainly the highlight of my career and I can say I played in the World Cup."
The 2002 finals will perhaps be best remembered in Ireland for the infamous bust-up between then manager Mick McCarthy and his captain Roy Keane which resulted in the Manchester United star heading home without kicking a ball in the competition.
But for the younger Keane, the abiding memory will be the equaliser he scored against Germany which prevented an early exit and allowed him to extend an adventure which still fuels his desire to return.
He said: "It would be the Germany game because of the way the game went. That will stand out in my mind, and probably everyone else's mind as well."
Keane and his team-mates will begin their attempt to book a trip to South Africa in 2010 in September when they launch their qualifying campaign in Georgia.
By then, new manager Giovanni Trapattoni, 69, will have had three friendly games - the second of them tomorrow night against Colombia at Craven Cottage - in which to assess the talent he has at his disposal.
Keane has been asked to play a slightly different role by the Italian, akin to the one performed to such good effect over the years by Trapattoni's compatriot Francesco Totti.
"Totti's a fantastic player - he's probably a little bit better looking than me!" Keane added.
"He's an excellent player and to be associated with him is quite flattering. The manager wants me to play as a striker, but dropping off into the hole.
"It's the same situation we use at Tottenham with me and [Dimitar] Berbatov - we mix and match a little bit. It is little bit deeper than before, but I am in it for the team.
"It is whatever the manager at that time wants me to do. I do it for the team. The team is more important than one individual.
"I look forward to playing any role, but my favourite position, which the manager wants me to play, is up front, but dropping into the hole, which I naturally do anyway."