Town skipper Matt Holland has been singled out for praise by Irish manager Mick McCarthy. Holland's World Cup performances and inpressive goal against Cameroon have seen innumerable clubs linked with the ex-Bournemouth man.

McCarthy, speaking ahead of Ireland's second round game with Spain on Sunday, said of the Blues' captain: "I have to be honest I think Matty Holland has been exceptional, and if I'm going to single anybody else out, one guy is Gary Breen. He has been outstanding, his contribution and his defending."

The Irish side has clearly impressed Spanish coach Jose Antonio Camacho who rates McCarthy's side amongst the world's best: "Ireland are unbeaten against teams like Cameroon and Germany here and the Netherlands and Portugal in qualifying.

"They can play at home and away and they know exactly what they're doing. Maybe it's a bit early to say but we're talking about one of the best teams there are at the moment.

"The players they have up front aren't there to chase long balls, although the big forward Quinn could come on at the end if needed.

"Their style normally is to play the ball around. They get into position and play as a block, with six or seven players attacking and eight or nine defending.

"They have a lot of physical strength and they can all attack and defend."

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