Bierhoff Wary Of Ireland Threat

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BIERHOFF WARY OF IRELAND THREAT 1/3





———————————————————— Veteran Germany striker Oliver Bierhoff believes the Republic of Ireland pose a big threat to his international swansong. The former Germany captain will hang up his international boots after the World Cup finals, and he sees the game against the Irish as one they can not afford to lose. 'The Irish team finished ahead of the Dutch to qualify so they will certainly be a threat' said Bierhoff. 'The first game against the Saudis can be decisive though. We have to win it then we can play a lot calmer against Ireland. We cannot lose that one.'







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DUFF TO SHINE IN FAR EAST: CARSLEY 2/3





———————————————————— Ireland's Damien Duff is set to take the World Cup by storm according to team-mate Lee Carsley. The Everton midfielder, who could be playing alongside Duff again in the finals, was a colleague of Duff when they were both at Blackburn a couple of seasons ago. He has witnessed the early career of the Dublin-born winger, and now sees the 23-year-old as a likely 'surprise package' for the forthcoming finals. 'Damien has been outstanding this season, in terrific form and he will surprise a lot of people in the finals' MAIN SPORTS INDEX - 200







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BREEN RELEASED BY COVENTRY 3/3





———————————————————— Republic of Ireland international Gary Breen is one of 11 players who have been released by Coventry City. The 29-year-old is out contract after rejecting a new deal and now has been told by new manager Gary McAllister that he is no longer wanted at Highfield Road. Breen started his career at Maidstone, before moving through the divisions with Gillingham, Peterborough and Birmingham before Gordon Strachan secured his services for Coventry in January 1997.