Sport

The Morning Sports Briefing

Ireland draw marred by Elliot injury, Kerr on Hoolahan, D’Arcy on why the Leinster Munster rivalry endures and Roscommon determined to get Hyde Park green light

Rob Elliot sustained a serious knee injury during Ireland’s 2-2 friendly draw with Slovakia. Photograph: Reuters
Wed Mar 30 2016 - 08:20

Ireland draw marred by Elliot injury

Ireland ended the Easter international breakwith a 2-2 draw at home to Slovakia last night, a result which was marred by a serious knee injury for Newcastle United goalkeeper Rob Elliot.

Elliot was stretchered off after trying to prevent Miroslav Stoch’s opening goal, the Bursaspor winger capitalising on a Paul McShane howler.

Ireland got themselves back in front thanks to two penalties in quick succession - one from Shane Long, one from James McClean - before a McShane own goal on the stroke of half time levelled proceedings.

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It was a night of mixed emotions for Martin O’Neill who was left to rue the injury Elliot sustained, he said: “It’s really cruel at this time in his career that he’s gone and done that. It’s a big blow to him and it’s a big blow to us.”

Brian Kerr on Wes Hoolahan

One of the major positives for Ireland was the performance of Wes Hoolahan and in his column today Brian Kerr waxes lyrical over the Norwich City schemer, he writes: "He has the rare gift of making others look better than they are. 34 in May, imagine what could have been? We never used you properly, Wes."

Elsewhere England were beaten for just the second time since the 2014 World Cup, Holland coming from behind to win 2-1 at Wembley.

D’Arcy on Leinster and Munster

In his column today Gordon D'Arcy looks ahead to Leinster against Munster this weekend, a fixture and a rivalry he believes will always endure, even if both provinces are currently a long way short of the 2009 standard which saw them compete in a European Cup semi-final.

He writes: “Even shelving the enormous Pro12 stakes, from the outside peering in this Saturday night, walking down Lansdowne Road will feel like it matters as much as it ever has.”

Roscommon determined to get Hyde Park green light

Meanwhile Roscommon are determined to ensure Hyde Park will be playable for Saturday's Division One fixture against Dublin, with the county board reluctant to relinquish home advantage.

What to watch out for:

Cricket

England play New Zealand in the first smei-final of the T20 World Cup (SS2, 2pm onwards)