Tiny's Season Just Goes On and On, and On......

Australia lost 4-3 to Germany.

Tiny Tim's never ending season, carries on tonight as his Australia team take on hosts Germany in the opener of the Confederation Cup. In a mini World Cup of eight teams, the Aussie's have been grouped with Germany, Tunisia, and Argentina. Obviously a top Tournament, as we have not stopped talking about it for months on end. Well played Sepp Blatter. Anyhow while every Blue and his dog will be alarmed at the amount of footy Tiny is playing of late, Tiny himself has no problems with his schedule.

Tiny says: "I love playing football, whether it's for Everton or my country, and I'd never turn down playing for my country. I think you regret it if you don't come to competitions like the Confederations Cup because it means the world to all the lads and we take it very seriously. They are massive games and I've always wanted to play on the world stage and test myself against the best." (15/06/05)

World Cup

Zinedine Kilbane scored the Republic of Ireland's second in a 2-0 victory over the Faroe Islands and put the Irish lads top of Group Four. Davie Weir played the full 90 & Jimmy McFadden came on as a second half sub as Scotland drew 0-0 wirth Belarus in Minsk. (09/06/05)

Round Up

Joey Yobo's Nigeria were held to a 1-1 draw in Group 4 of the African Section of the World Cup Groups by lowly Rwanda. Nigeria had to come from behind to pick a point up, and Joey came close himself, having an effort cleared off the line.

Zinedine Kilbane and his Irish team mates looked on helplessly as they threw away a two goal lead to allow Israel to snatch a draw at Lansdowne Road. The Republic now take up third place behind the Israeli's and Switzerland, and now travel to the mighty Faroe Islands for Wednesday's must win game. (06/06/05)

No Rest For Tiny

No rest for the best. Tiny will not be looking forward to a Summer of putting his feet up and relaxing after his first year in the Premiership, watching his fellow country men being rolled over in the Ashes series. Instead Frank Farina has called him into the squad for Australia's attempt at winning the Confederations Cup in Germany in June. Confederations Cup, I hear you ask, well it is a nothing tournament, but no doubt a huge money spinner for the Worlds Governing Body, FIFA. (28/05/05)

Trio Called Up

Davey Weir, Nace and Jimmy Mac have to carry on the season a bit longer, as they have all been called up to the Scotland Squad by Walter Smith. Matches against Belarus and Moldova in June are essential for Scotland, as they try to qualify for next years World Cup in Germany. Nace however is struggling with his ankle, and may go under the surgeons knife before the matches. (12/05/05)

Killa & Tim In Action Tonight

Everton assistant manager, Alan Irvine is hoping Kevin Kilbane and Tim Cahill return from international duty unscathed. Tim plays against Indonesia tonight, while Killa plays against China at Lansdowne Road.

Irvine says: "You cannot do all your team work if you don't have all your players available. The international games will be tiring for Kevin and Tim but it is slightly better for us that our game is on Sunday. (29/03/05)

Mixed Fortunes

A win, loss and draw was the results for Everton's stars over this International weekend. Tiny was the only winner as the Socceroo's beat Iraq, yes Iraq, in the Telstra Stadium in Sydney. Tiny was substituted in the 71st minute by boss Frank Farina, after the Aussie's took the lead for the first time in the match; Iraq had taken a shock 11th minute lead.

Killa was extremely unlucky to leave Tel Aviv, with only one point instead of all three. The Republic had led from early on in the game after a wonderful strike from Brum's Clinton Morrison. Killa who is only three games away from breaking Paddy Bonners run of 34 consecutive matches, watched on helplessly as Israel scored a last minute equaliser to rob the Irish of all three points.

A Man of the Match performance from the returning Davey Weir, was not enough to avert defeat for the valiant Scots in Milan last night. Davey had the likes of Francesco Totti in his arse pocket, but had to watch on, as two fantastic free kicks from AC Milan's Andrea Pirlo settled the affair. Nace also played the full ninety, but the form of Davey Weir against some of Europe's best, will have Davey Moyes licking his lips for next season. (27/03/05)

I Can Keep Playing

Davie looks to Italian stars, Maldini 36 & Costacurta 38 as inspiration to keep playing International football. The 34 year old scot is set to win his 38th cap when the Scots play Italy at the San Siro on Saturday.

Davie says: "I would have considered returning if Berti had asked me but it doesn't matter now. The problem was not specifically with him, it was with the way things were going and I wasn't enjoying it. I didn't feel as if I was playing well enough, I wasn't giving myself the chance to play well and I didn't see it getting any better for me.

It's two or three years since I have been in the squad and I forget what it was like back then but it's nice to be back and to go to the San Siro is a big opportunity for me. When I stopped, I thought that was it. But obviously things change in football and you never know what is round the corner. I had a tie-in with Walter and I knew there was a chance but I was surprised when I actually got the call.

“I have really enjoyed this season and it would be great if I was still in the Premiership next season. I don’t know if I am in Maldini or Costacurta’s circle. They are pretty special. However, they have shown that you can play to a high level well into your thirties. Players have got fitter over the years and I played alongside Richard Gough at Everton and he was starring in the Premiership at 38. Maldini, though, does give you inspiration to keep going.” (23/03/05)

Davey's Back

Davey Weir has been recalled to the Scotland squad for the forthcoming International against Italy over the Easter period. Davey who retired from the International scene after a well publicised spat with then Manager Berti Mc Vogts, has been talked out of the International wilderness, by old Everton boss, and now new Scottish Manager Walter Smith. Also in the Jock squad are Nace and Jimmy Mac.

Zinedine is our other International representative for the Republic, as they assemble before their match with Israel. (15/03/05)

Jimmy's Consolation

Jimmy Mac scored a consolation goal in a 4-1 defeat by Sweden. He was Scottish captain for the last five minutes, when Nigel Quashie went off injured. Tommy Grav played a full 90mins in Denmark's 2-2 draw with Georgia. Li Tie never played for China after all. (18/11/04)

Last Nights Action

Tim Cahill opened the scoring for the Socceroo's in last nights draw with Norway at Craven Cottage. Tiny stabbed one home from close distance past ex Blues keeper Tommy Myhre. Tiny was delighted with his opener, but should have had one or two more as the night wore on. He was subbed with around fifteen to go, to a standing ovation. He's had a few of them this season.

Brede Hangeland, came on for Norway, but had little to do in the ten minutes that he got. Roy Hodgson his boss at Viking Stavanger did however on Sky TV sing his praises. Don't read to much into that though, as I remember a certain Barry Fry doing the same to us once over Brett Angell.

Tiny says: "It was fantastic feeling to get the goal. I just wanted to get as much out of the game as I possibly could and to score was a bonus. I was just disappointed that it finished a draw."

Killa Kilbane had the honour of captaining his Country in their one nil win over Croatia at Lansdowne Road. The Irish won courtesy of a Robbie Keane first half goal.

Just a mention as well for Everton reserve keeper Iain Turner, who performed admirably for the Scottish U21's, who were turned over 2-1 by their Swedish counterparts. (17/11/04)

Round Up

Gary Naysmith has pulled out of the Scotland squad to concentrate on claiming his fitness back. He will however play in Everton's second string game against Forest on Thursday night. Jimmy Mac should be picked for his country, as they begin life without Berti Mc Vogts in tomorrows friendly against Sweden.

Killa, should also start tonight in the Republics friendly clash against Croatia at Lansdowne Road. As normal the Garda are on full alert for obsessive fans stalking the Irish superstar.

Tim Cahill could come face to face tonight with prospective Everton buy Brede Hangeland, as the Socceroo's face Norway in a friendly at Craven Cottage.

The only game with points at stake will see man of the moment Tommy Grav, take his Denmark side to Tbilisi in Georgia, in search of vital World Cup points. If the Danes win they will top the group, but a defeat will see them slip to fifth, as it is a tight a group as that. Good luck oh bald one. (16/11/04)

Round Up

All three of Everton's representatives were undefeated in last night's World Cup Qualifiers. Nace was involved as the Jocks drew one each against Moldova, who picked up their first point against the hapless Scots.

Tommy Grav played the full ninety against World Cup Semi Finalist's Turkey, as the Danes drew also one each. The Danes played an hour of the game with ten men after Unsey's mate Jesper Gronkjear was sent for an early bath. Tommy's should be fresh then for Saturday, after running around like a loony for an hour then hey.

Superstar of the trio, Killa Kilbane, played his part as the Irish turned over The Faroe Islands two nil, to go top of their group, which also includes The French. (14/10/04)

International Stars

Everton should have three of their first team squad in action in tonight's World Cup Qualifiers. Nace, for the Jocks will be facing Moldova, with Jimmy Mac sitting his ban out on the sidelines. Tommy Grav will be winning his 51st cap against Turkey, and Saturday's man of the match in the Paris, Killa Kilbane will be lining up for the Republic in Dublin. The Faroe Islands will be Killa's opposition, as they try and build on their admirable draw against the French, at the weekend. Come home safely boys, it's Southampton on Saturday. (13/10/04)

Happy Jocks

First team coach and fellow Scot, Alan Irvine is delighted for Nace and Jimmy Mac, to be involved in some action this weekend. It has been frustrating times for the two Scottish Internationals, with Moyesy reluctance to change a winning side. Seen as we are winning more than we are losing this season, its great news for us, but tough shite on the squad players who can't get a look in.

Alan says: "I'm pleased for the pair of them that the international break has come when it has. Everyone can see how difficult things have been for Faddy recently. Gary is slightly different in that he has been involved more this season, but he has had to sit things out recently as well. But I would expect them both to play for Scotland which is great for them, because both are desperate to play." (07/10/04)

Blues Included In Squad

Everton duo, Gary Naysmith, and Jimmy Mac, have both been included in Berti Mc Vogts squad for their forthcoming World Cup Qualifiers.

The Jocks face Norway at Hampden on Saturday, then travel to Moldova the following Wednesday, as they try to qualify for Germany in 2006. (04/10/04)

Killa In Squad

As expected Zinedine will be representing The Republic of Ireland in their forthcoming World Cup Qualifiers against France and The Faroe Islands.

The game in Paris will be of great significance for French International Zinedine Zidane, as it will be one of the first times that the French footballer has had a chance to be on the same field as his great Irish namesake, and the person his parents named him after. Bluekipper.com tried to contact the French midfielder, but he was to emotional to talk, with the prospect looming of facing one of the all time greats. (30/09/04)

Tim In Squad

The Aussie's twenty man strong squad for next weeks Confederation Cup Tie against The Soloman Islands, includes our very own, man of the moment Tim Cahill. Tim will be flying out after this weekends crushing of Spurs to join up with his team mates. There is however no place for Eddy Bosnar in Frank Farina's squad. Stay here Eddy its warmer than the Soloman Islands any way.

Aussie Boss Frank Farina says: "I have selected the best possible side for the matches. It is vitally important that we qualify for the Confederations Cup ahead of next year's World Cup qualifiers." (29/09/04)

I Come From A Land Down Under....

Everton's Aussie duo, Tim Cahill and Eddy Bosnar have both been called up to the Aussie squad for next months Confederations Cup Match against The Solomon Isles. The Confederations Cup I hear you ask, what's that all about. Timbo and Eddy are apparently not happy flying out to the paradise Isle, and whilst out shopping for factor three, more film for their camera, and a new disco rig out, told us so.

The games take place whilst the Premiership shuts down for our World Cup Qualifiers, and I am sure the 50 odd hour return flight will do them both good.

Aussie Boss Frank Farina says: "It's a completely full strength squad, these are hugely important matches for us." (14/09/04)

Killa Stars in Win

Killa Kilbane starred in the Republics 3-0 win over the minnows of Cyprus in Dublin yesterday. Killa was unlucky not to score in the first half when the Cypriot keeper turned the superstars shot round the post. Killa was smuggled out of the back door of the ground, as thousands upon thousands of his fellow country men tried to get close to the Irish megastar.

Killa and his team mates now fly out to Switzerland, for Wednesday's crunch. The Swiss police are receiving special training from our very own SAS, on how to deal with Killa's Swiss fan base. (05/09/04)

In The Dark

Jimmy Mac's trip to Spain ended up finishing early last night, when the Ref called a halt to proceedings in the second half, due to a floodlight failure, caused by a torrential downpour. Faddy however was upbeat, that his Scot team mates were holding the Spanish to a draw at the time.

Faddy says: "We're pleased with the result. We worked hard and put in a lot of effort. The manager told us he hated facing Scotland as a player and we wanted to see some of that old spirit. It gets the fitness levels up for the Slovenia match and we can take confidence from this performance." (04/09/04)

Hard Work Begins Here

Everton's flying winger is hoping that the Republic's World Cup Qualifying Campaign gets off to a good start at home to Cyprus tomorrow. Killa may be asked to play in the unaccustomed role of centre mid, as his International team mate, and full time psychopath Roy Keane will be missing through injury.

Killa is currently being guarded around the clock, as fanatical fans from as far away as Kilkenny, County Mayo and Galway try to get a piece of the Everton superstar.

Zinedine says: "This is where the work begins. You are judged on what you do in the qualifiers. We started badly in the last qualifying campaign when Russia and Switzerland took points off us at home, so ultimately that's where we lost out. This group is going to be tough, but we feel that we can beat any team at Lansdowne Road. We have to be strong at home and dogged and tough away if we are to make Germany. Although we beat Cyprus convincingly on both occasions during the last World Cup qualifiers, they still gave us a tough time and we have to make sure we don't slip up tomorrow." (03/09/04)

Unbelievable

Even though Faddy was taken off injured on Sunday, he is expected to play for Scotland for the friendly against Hungary on Wednesday night. Kenny Miller has heaped praise on Faddy and even though there is plenty of competition for place he expects Faddy to be number one choice.

Miller says: "McFadden has been unbelievable in the last couple of games and he's made a lot of goals at this level so he'll be in automatically so I'll just work away at training and hopefully I'll get the nod to play alongside him.(17/08/04)