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Ipswich Town

The Morning Score: Friday

Paul O’Connell ponders his next move after his ban yesterday, another Irish star considers a big, big move and Roy Keane says he doesn’t fear the Reaper – whatever happens this week.

EVERY MORNING, TheScore.ie brings you the sport stories you need to know with your morning coffee.

1. #BAN Munster are likely to appeal the four-week ban handed down to captain Paul O’Connell by an ERC hearing in Dublin yesterday, according to the Irish Independent.

The Lions skipper is said to be disappointed with the month-long suspension meted out for the flailing arm that struck Ospreys’ Jonathon Thomas at Thomond Park last Sunday.

2. #AU REVOIR And while Munster ponder their next move, it seems two teammates of O’Connell’s could be set for sensational moves to France, Simon Lewis in the Irish Examiner reports.

Ireland out half Jonathon Sexton will begin preliminary talks with Stade Francais in the coming days, while Munster man Paul Warwick has already made up his mind on a switch to the Top 14 club.

3. #KEANE EDGE Don’t cry for me, Ipswich Town. Roy Keane says there is no need to feel any sympathy if he’s sacked this weekend.

The Portman Road boss says he realises how lucky he’s been not to lose his job so far. Ipswich host Leicester tomorrow evening.

4. #CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Europe’s top clubs will learn their Champions League last-16 opponents when the draw is made at 11am this morning.

Chelsea, Manchester United and Spurs all won their groups and will play a runner-up, but Arsenal finished second so must face a pool winner to make the quarter-finals – meaning they could draw Barcelona.

5. #EUROPA LEAGUE Man City meanwhile wrapped up top spot in their group with a come-from-behind 1-1 draw with Serie A giants Juventus.

Brazilian striker Jo notched the equaliser in Turin.

The squad were grounded in Italy afterwards due to a technical fault with their flight.

6. #JOBS The GAA plan to secure a new government initiative that will deliver up to 200 coaching jobs to unemployed players.

7. #TRIBE Galway GAA chiefs are this morning looking for a new sponsor after Aer Arann withdrew from their €500,000 five-year deal with the county footballers.

8. #WARRANT A Las Vegas judge has issued an outstanding arrest warrant for boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr on a misdemeanor battery complaint alleging he poked a security guard in the face several times.

9. #DARTS Champion Phil Taylor beat Gary Mawson 3-0 in their first round clash at the Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship last night, but was a long way from his best (like below) at the Alexandra Palace.