Dundalk are out to shock Europe with a win over Bate Borisov tonight, as they look to continue their fairytale march towards the Champions League.

Stephen Kenny’s team go into the second leg Champions League third qualifying round tie in Tallaght trailing 1-0 on aggregate.

Republic of Ireland international Wes Hoolahan committed his future to Norwich yesterday by signing a new two-year deal. The 33-year-old has been at the club since 2008 and will line out in the Championship next year after last season's relegation from the Premier League.

In his column this morning Ken Early explains why soccer is not a natural master of ceremonies - because when it comes to opening ceremonies the Olympics are the only show in town.

“Whatever they’re spending on Friday’s Olympic show, it’s probably too much. But if it’s good enough to convince Uefa and Fifa that there is no point competing with the IOC on this front any more, and that they might as well abandon their awful opening ceremonies forever, then it won’t have been in vain.”

Tickets are at a premium for Saturday's All-Ireland quarter-finals between Dublin and Donegal, and Tyrone against Mayo. All tickets that went on public sale for Dublin versus Donegal (6pm) and Tyrone against Mayo (4pm) are sold while the association does not expect any returns from the remainder distributed via clubs from the four counties and season ticket holders.

Meanwhile Jim McGuinness expects an epic double-bill in Croke Park - with all four teams fully convinced that they can win an All-Ireland.

“The Olympic Games start in Rio on Friday evening but for all of us lucky enough to be in Croke Park, it will feel as if the Jones’ Road is the epicentre of the sporting world. All eyes will be fixed as two of the big contenders fall. And, of course, the men from Kerry will be among the most interested of neutral spectators.”