Rory gets good matchplay draw

Four-time Major winner Rory McIlroyhas been handed a seemingly winnable draw as he looks to defend his WGC-Match Play title in Austin, Texas this week.

The world number three will face off against Kevin Na, Smylie Kaufman and Thorbjen Olsen, but he is refusing to take his opponents lightly, he said: “A big key to match play is you can’t underestimate anyone. You have to fully expect for them to play their best golf. You have to go out and make as many birdies as you can.”

Meanwhile Jordan Spieth has been drawn against his former American college rival Justin Thomas, who he beat in the 2012 NCAA Championship final, as well as Welshman Jamie Donaldson and Victor Dubuisson.

O’Neill to give squad players a chance

Ireland play Switzerland at the Aviva Stadium on Friday night as preparations for this summer's European Championships gather pace, and Martin O'Neill is likely to give starts to Alan Judge, Rob Elliot and Kevin Doyle during the International break.

Bournemouth midfielder Harry Arter remains a doubt however, after he was forced off with an Achilles strain during the Cherries’ 3-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur last weekend.

The Ireland boss yesterday confirmed the prognosis over Robbie Brady is more positive, following his injury in a match winning performance for Norwich City.

O’Neill said: “Robbie came off with a shoulder injury and he said it was very, very sore but he has had some scans today and they are negative which is good.”

Gerry Thornley’s team of the tournament

In rugby Gerry Thornley has revealed his Six Nations team of the tournament, as well as a full statistical analysis of the 2016 championship. There are four Irishmen in his best XV - head onto the Irish Times website to find out who made the cut.

Bryan Sheehan out injured

Elsewhere Kerry captain Bryan Sheehan is facing a spell on the sidelines with a hand injury, bringing to an end a 20-match streak which included just one defeat, and will miss Sunday’s fixture against Monaghan.