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Australia captain Brad Green and Ireland vice captain Ciaran McKeever with the Cormac McAnallen Cup. INPHO/James Crombie
Early Doors

The Morning Score: Thursday

Here’s everything you need to know before that first coffee.

1. #CARLING CUP Manchester City made 11 changes to the side that routed local rivals United, ahead of last night’s cup showdown away to Wolves.

But they still had enough to run out 5-2 winners.

Liverpool beat Stoke thanks to two second-half Luis Suarez goals, Blackburn beat Newcastle 4-3 thanks to a late winner and Chelsea overcame Everton 2-1 at Goodison.

2. #RIP Brendan O’Driscoll, the west Kerry footballer who collapsed during a club game last weekend, passed away at Cork University Hospital yesterday evening.

The Annascaul clubman suffered a suspected brain haemorrhage during a championship game with Lispole on Sunday.

3. #INTERNATIONAL RULES The Irish side are currently training in Melbourne ahead of tomorrow’s Rules clash with Australia. We’ll liveblog the action if you’re stuck at your desk.

4. #AIRTRICITY LEAGUE Paul Cook admits he was ‘very close’ to leaving Sligo Rovers for SPL side St Johnstone.

The Bit O’ Red manager decided yesterday that he’d stay at the Showgrounds. This morning, he told Des Cahill on RTÉ Radio, that a number of factors – including the terms of conditions of the proposed contract – made up his mind.

But he warned Rovers fans that he ‘will leave one day’.

5. #FAROES Brian Kerr looks likely to leave his position as coach of the Faroe Islands international side.

In a short statement released last evening, the minnow association  said that it “was not possible to agree a new contract” with the 58-year-old, whose current deal is set to expire next month.

Kerr will likely be linked with the vacant Northern Ireland job.

6. #GOLAZZO Did we mention one of Suarez’s goals was this gem?

Oh, it’s on… Westwood gets paired with McIlroy in Shanghai

Poll: Who should start up front for Ireland against Estonia?