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Club v country - how FAI took on English clubs to change European football

In October 1980 Ireland played a crucial, and ultimately controversial, World Cup qualifier with France in Paris. But even before the game, history was made that still impacts on the game today.

Sat, 28 Jun, 2025 - 02:35

Paul Little

Eoin Hand’s 22-man squad for the clash with France in Paris on Tuesday, 28 October is released to the press five days after the exhausting draw with Belgium. Eoin Hand adds two newcomers to the group – Celtic’s young goalkeeper Pat Bonner and Brighton’s powerful and pacy forward Michael Robinson, who has received international clearance to play for the Republic of Ireland. David O’Leary is also selected, having missed the Belgian game through injury.

Eoin Hand picks his strongest-possible squad for his first away test as manager of the international side. But Eoin Hand faces more than the usual uncertainty in terms of player availability. Eight days out from the Republic of Ireland’s massive date with the French, player availability issues regarding the fixture clash with the English League Cup have still not been settled.

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