Lennon hits out at IFA decision

Celtic midfielder Neil Lennon yesterday branded the decision by the Irish Football Association (IFA) that its international players would in future be obliged to hold a British passport as "ridiculous".

The former international said that the rule change, introduced last month amid considerable controversy, "would have ruled me out for a start. The fact is that if you're from Northern Ireland you're Irish. It's a ridiculous move," said Lennon, who was in Dublin promoting the Celtic in the Community summer soccer schools and for last night's Player of the Year function which took place in Citywest.

Drogheda United travel to Sligo for tonight's league game at the Showgrounds without either Declan O'Brien or Stephen Bradley, both of whom have been sidelined by hamstring problems.

Shane Barrett is available again, however, after a long lay-off while Paul Keegan is in the squad after returning from under-21 international duty in Baku although Paul Doolin says he has yet to decide whether the midfielder is sufficiently rested to play.

The home side have endured a tough week with last week's comprehensive defeat at Belfield followed in midweek by a loss to Finn Harps in the League Cup. "The players are hurting right now because they've had a bad spell," says manager Seán Connor, "but I'm still convinced that we can finish in the top five of this league."

The final of the Carlsberg-sponsored FAI Intermediate Cup takes place at 3.0pm tomorrow at Turner's Cross with Blarney United taking on Avondale United.

At the same time in Dalymount Park, South Africa will take on Poland in the final of the Brian Kerr Inter-Continental League.