The Morning Sports Briefing

Mikel gives Chelsea lifeline

Chelsea's Champions League hopes hang in the balance after they were beaten 2-1 by Paris St Germain in the first leg of their last 16 clash last night.

Guus Hiddink’s side weathered an early onslaught at the Parc des Princes before a fortuitous Zlatan Ibrahimovic free kick gave the hosts the lead. John Obi Mikel scored a potentially crucial away goal on the stroke of half time and then Diego Costa missed a golden opportunity before Edison Cavani bagged in the 78th minute to win it for the Ligue 1 leaders.

Elsewhere, an injury time strike from Jonas gave Benfica a narrow first leg victory over Zenit St Petersburg in Lisbon.

D’Arcy: keep the faith in Schmidt

In his column today Gordon D'Arcy urges both Ireland supporters and players to keep the faith in Joe Schmidt and his brand of rugby.

He writes: “To seek to play an unfamiliar game against England will, at best, lead to glorious defeat. And who wants that? No Irish player worth his salt will have that attitude. You trust the processes now more than ever.”

And while the Six Nations title is now gone, D’Arcy believes Ireland are improving: “The coaching is evident, plays are being put in place to be successful, so I don’t really know what more Joe can do. What I do know is he will find more areas to improve.”

Henshaw move confirmed

Robbie Henshaw's move from Connacht to Leinster was confirmed yesterday, and the Ireland centre has signed a three-year deal with his new province.

Meanwhile Cian Healy is expected to decide this week whether he will stay with Leinster or take up the offer of a lucrative €750,000 a season contract with Worcester Warriors.

Annie Power returns

Elsewhere Annie Power is running in the 1.35 at Punchestown today, her first action since that dramatic final flight fall in the Mares Hurdle at Cheltenham last year.

GAA Congress can give players a break

In his column today Sean Moran looks at next week's GAA Congress and the proposals which have been made on minor and under-21 level to tackle player burnout, he writes: "It would be great news if Congress backs these two proposals on minor and under-21.

“It would be further cause for celebration were the GAA also to recognise that third-level colleges are a vital environment for the development of young people and that having their own team, for which they play and which they administer themselves, is a hugely rewarding experience.”

What to watch out for:

Racing

Annie Power returns to action in the 1.35 at Punchestown today.

Football

The Champions League last 16 continues, with Real Madrid taking on Roma (RTE 2, BT Sport Europe, 7.45pm ko) and Gent facing Wolfsburg (BT Sport 2, Setanta, 7.45pm ko)