Irish Players Must Move On

After the controversy surrounding Wednesday’s play-off in Paris, the Irish players will return to club duty today as they begin the process of recovering from the bitter disappointment of missing-out on a place at the World Cup.

Manchester City manager Mark Hughes is confident that Shay Given has the mental toughness to cope with the defeat as the Donegalman will line-up between the posts for today’s big game. City make the short trip to Anfield to take on Liverpool in the quarter-to-one kick-off.

In the three o’clock kick-offs, Damien Duff is set to return for Fulham’s trip to Birmingham City while Aston Villa boss Martin O’Neill says he’ll make a late decision on whether or not Richard Dunne should start for them against Burnley.

Kevin Doyle will have to bounce-back from the Paris result as Wolves visit Chelsea while Kevin Kilbane, Paul McShane and Stephen Hunt will play for Hull against West Ham and Sunderland play host to Arsenal.

In the late kick-off, John O’Shea will be missing for Manchester United’s clash with Everton after picking-up at thigh injury at the Stade de France.

Daniel "Pitchside" Pitcher Twitter: @DanFM104Sport About: Dan "Pitchside" Pitcher provides insight and commentary as the chief soccer and rugby correspondent for Sportspeak.