A round-up of today's other stories in brief
O'Brien looking forward to return to international game
SOCCER:Joey O'Brien has said he is relieved to have finally received a recall to the Republic of Ireland squad as he prepares for what he hopes will be his return to Premier league action with West Ham. O'Brien replaces the injured Seán St Ledger for the friendly against Serbia in Belgrade tomorrow week.
“It’s been a long time,” said the Dubliner with regard to his time in the international wilderness which followed his suggestion in an interview three years ago that he felt like “a fan in a tracksuit” because he kept being included in squads by Giovanni Trapattoni but never got to play. “Comments I made before were taken out of context and weren’t what I wanted to say, because I love playing for my country. Hopefully I’ll get the chance to do that.”
Of his impending return with the Londoners to the top flight in England after it seemed at one stage that injuries might curtail his career, he said that “his dream” when he joined West Ham was “to get playing back in the Premier League”.
Nottingham Forest appear to be leading the chase to sign Republic of Ireland striker Simon Cox from West Brom. Cox has been the subject of interest from Blackburn and a number of other Championship sides and seems set to leave the Hawthorns having failed to secure regular first-team football in the two seasons since the club was promoted.
Former Ireland international Seán O’Driscoll was recently appointed as manager at Forest and appears to see Cox as having the potential to make an impact back in the Championship.
EMMET MALONE
Designs On Rome opens his account
RACING:Designs On Rome will be given a chance to justify Pat Flynn's opinion of him in Group One company after the juvenile opened his account at Naas yesterday.
The Co Waterford trainer had not lost his faith in the son of Holy Roman Emperor after defeats in his first two starts, as he had not been beaten far in good maidens at Gowran Park and the Curragh.
Sent off at 9 to 2 for the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden, Designs On Rome showed a willing application to his work and was in control of 3 to 1 favourite Mouteab by two lengths.
“He’s in the National Stakes and will go there. He’s a proper horse and is still a bit weak. He’s given us a great feel since the day he was broke,” said Flynn.
The feature Breda Miley Race saw 13 to 8 favourite Lightnin Hopkins take his course record to two wins from as many starts by bravely holding off Boston Rocker.
Sadler’s Mark (9 to 4) may contest the Cambridgeshire at Newmarket next month following his victory in the Naas Apprentice Handicap.
Pietersen casts doubts on his England future after draw
CRICKET:England's Kevin Pietersen last night cast doubt on his Test match future, saying there are "obstacles" which have to be overcome in order for him to continue.
Pietersen scored 149 in the first innings of the second Test against South Africa at Headingley and took three wickets in the tourists’ reply as the game ended in a draw yesterday.
However, asked after the drawn game to give an assurance that he would play beyond the third Test against South Africa at Lord’s, the 32-year-old said: “No, I can’t give assurances. All will be discussed and we’ll see what happens.
“There are obstacles and I’ll decide what happens at the end of the next Test.”
South Africa stayed 1-0 ahead in the three-match series with one to play at Lord’s starting on August 16th.
England must win that match to not only level the series but also prevent the Proteas from leapfrogging them at the top of the world rankings.
The highlight of the final day saw England’s Stuart Broad take five for 69.
Eaglestone called in for Johnston as rain delays start
CRICKET:Wicklow's wait for its first first-class cricket game in 100 years will have to wait until this morning (11.0am) after the opening day of the encounter between Ireland and South Africa 'A' was abandoned after heavy overnight rain left the outfield at Oak Hill under water.
Ireland bowler Trent Johnston has been withdrawn from the Ireland squad for what is now a three-day game as a precautionary measure after receiving an injection in his knee, and is expected to play a full part in the rest of the games this month. His place has been taken by Strabane left-arm seamer Phil Eaglestone.
Ireland’s last first-class game in Wicklow was played at Woodbrook in Bray against South Africa in 1912.
EMMET RIORDAN
Gimli's Rock beats favourite in Mallow
RACING:Mossey Joe's return to the track ended in defeat as he finished last of three behind Gimli's Rock in the www.mallow.ieHandicap at Cork yesterday.
The Declan McNamara-trained nine-year-old has a really progressive profile, but came to grief when in the process of running a blinder in the Champion Novice Chase at the Punchestown Festival last April.
Reunited with Barry Geraghty back over hurdles, Mossey Joe (1 to 3 favourite) attempted to make all of the running in this three-mile contest.
It had looked pretty straightforward for McNamara’s inmate, but he suddenly ran out of juice, which allowed Gimli’s Rock (11 to 2) the opportunity to take the lead two out.
Mossey Joe was not given a tough time thereafter as Won In The Dark finished second.
Trainer Jessica Harrington and jockey Tommy Treacy were earlier on the scoresheet when Run ‘N’ Jump (14 to 1) claimed the Family Day Maiden Hurdle.
