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Derry City celebrate after beating Sligo Rovers on penalties. INPHO/Margaret McLaughlin
Early Doors

The Morning Score: Wednesday

Here’s everything you need to know.. unless you’re waking up as the Rose of Tralee this morning.

1. #REBELS Yesterday, Cork county board officials said they would not reappoint Denis Walsh as hurling manager.

Today, centre-back Ronan Curran has called time on his career.

The Irish Examiner reports that the Barr’s man thinks the time is right to end a nine-year intercounty career.

There is speculation on Leeside this morning that Leeside legend Jimmy Barry Murphy is pondering a return to the helm as coach.

2. #FAI Giovanni Trapattoni yesterday named a revised squad for the crucial Euro 2012 qualifiers with  Slovakia and Russia next month.

James McCarthy’s exclusion has predictably dominated discussion. The Italian says the Wigan midfielder will be available to the U21s.

Earlier in the day, McCarthy committed his future to the Latics. Ciaran Clark, Damien Delaney, Marc Wilson and Jon Walters have also been left out of the squad, while Paul McShane and Seamus Coleman are absent through injury.

3. #CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Arsenal take a one-nil advantage to Italy this evening as they face Serie A side Udinese in the second leg playoff. (kick off 7.45pm, RTE2).

They will line out without several stars however, including Samir Nasri who all but completed his Manchester City switch yesterday.

4. #SPOT ON Derry City will face Cork City in the final of the EA Sports Cup after a 5-3 penalty shoot-out victory over Sligo Rovers last night.

Read a full match report here.

5. #BAD BOY In Spain, meanwhile, Jose Mourinho moved to dismiss speculation suggesting he is on the brink of leaving Real Madrid.

In a letter addressed to the club’s fans, Mourinho reassured them that rumours of his imminent demise were greatly exaggered.

“Only those who don’t know me can dream, make up or believe I may leave Real Madrid at this stage.”

6. #AMERICAN DREAM Caroline Wozniaki has been named top seed for the US Open which begins on Tuesday.  The Danish star is aiming for her first slam title in New York.