Compiled by Daniel McDonnell
Coleman chuffed
for Harps boss Horgan
SEAMUS Coleman has never lost touch with his roots and was tuned into Highland Radio last week to catch the drama of Finn Harps play-off win over Limerick.
He was slightly conflicted as his pal from Killybegs, Shaun Kelly, ended up on the losing side. But he was delighted for the victorious Donegal side and their popular manager Ollie Horgan.
"I had him as manager at Ulster Schools level years ago. He's a great man. I don't think many people gave them a chance when he got the job."
The right-back was not a frequent visitor to Ballybofey in his youth, but does remember going to watch a Cork side that featured his current international team-mate Kevin Doyle.
Clark reluctant to give
verdict on Grealish's call
As a former-England underage international who declared for Ireland, and a current employee of Aston Villa, Ciaran Clark was always going to field a question or two about Jack Grealish.
He was reluctant to go down that road in any depth, however. "I haven't spoken to him at all about it, to be honest," he insisted. "I've just seen what's been said in the press and just left it at that. There is not much for me to say.
"It was his decision at the end of the day. No one, especially me, didn't want to force him into something his heart wasn't in. He has made his decision and all the best to him."
Bosnia cut three players from final squad
Martin O'Neill had to trim down his provisional squad from 39 bodies to 30, but his opposite number Mehmed Bazdarevic works off smaller numbers. Ahead of their first training session, Bazdarevic cut his list from 28 to 25. Marin Anicic (Astana), Ermin Zec (Gabala) and Rade Krunic (Empoli) were the unlucky trio. Werder Bremen winger Iset Hajrovic says the hosts will go for it on Friday.
"We have a good chance to go to France," he said. "The first match is extremely important. It will be a tough game because the Irish team is good, but we'll attack them."
Quote of the day
"He was tough on me but fair. He's a really, really good manager and I'm just disappointed the way the last 18 months have gone for him. He's a great manager and a great man."
- Seamus Coleman has some kind words for David Moyes, who was sacked as Real Sociedad boss yesterday.
Number of the day
20 Bosnia's position in the latest set of FIFA rankings. Ireland have risen to 42nd position after their victory over Germany.
Compiled by Daniel McDonnell
