Sexton likely to be awarded 100th Irish cap
SOCCER
Liverpool have qualified for the knockout stage of the Champions League with 2 games to spare.
Goals by Diogo Jota and Sadio Mane handed the Reds a 2-0 win over Atletico Madrid in Group B at Anfield last night.
Manager Jurgen Klopp is delighted to progress with two games to spare:
Manchester City are just a point away from a place in the last 16.
Phil Foden, Riyad Mahrez, Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus were on target in a 4-1 win at home to Club Brugge in Group A.
City now top the Group as PSG were held to a 2-2 draw by RB Leipzig.
=
In the Europa League tonight, West Ham are away to Genk, Leicester face Spartak Moscow, Celtic are away to Ferencvaros (pr: Fer-ench-var-oss) and Rangers have made the trip to Brondby (pr: Brond-boo).
Antonio Conte takes charge of Spurs for their Conference League game against Vitesse Arnhem.
=
Damien Duff has spoken about confronting his fears as he moves into management.
The former Republic of Ireland star has signed a 2 year deal to take over League of Ireland Premier Division club Shelbourne.
He's willing to accept whatever happens:
UCD are on track for the First Division play off final after their 3-0 first leg win at Treaty United.
Bray Wanderers and Galway drew 0-0.
RUGBY
Johnny Sexton is likely to be awarded his 100th cap when the Ireland team is named this lunchtime to play Japan on Saturday.
Andy Farrell is expected to name a 15 that is Leinster heavy, with Jamison Gibson Park likely to partner Sexton from scrum half.
The IRFU have confirmed that a number of tickets are still available for the game against Japan and are on general sale.
GAELIC GAMES
Last night's local results:
2021 Future Ticketing Minor A Hurling Championship
Naas 4-18 V Celbridge 0-16
Naomh Mhuire 2-8 V Maynooth 1-13
Minor C Hurling Championship
Kilcock 3-11 V Cappagh 1-10
2021 U23 C Football Championship
Kilcullen 2-14 V O’Tooles 0-6
Ballyteague 1-14 V Leixlip 2-9
U23 D Football Championship
Miltown 2-8 V St Edwards 2-6
U23 E Football Championship
Athgarvan 1-9 V Kill 0-6
GOLF
Shane Lowry, Seamus Power and Graeme McDowell are in the field for the World Wide Technology Championship on the US PGA Tour in Mexico.
Jonathan Caldwell is the first Irish starter at the Portugal Masters.
He is level par, two shots behind Alvaro Quiros.
Padraig Harrington and Cormac Sharvin are also competing there.
HORSE RACING
There's a meeting over jumps today at Thurles, with the first off at 12.10pm.