WORLD CUP JIGSAW: Pages 52-53

JOE Schmidt’s decision on his future looms over today’s final November international against the United States and captain Rhys Ruddock says the coach has managed to keep his message fresh despite being in charge of some of the players for eight years.

The Ireland coach has previously expressed concern that he could be growing stale to some members of the squad who, like Ruddock, have been working for him at Leinster and Ireland since he arrived in 2010.

After overseeing the clash with the Eagles at the Aviva, Schmidt (right) will make a final decision on his future beyond next year’s World Cup at a family brunch tomorrow morning before informing the IRFU of his intentions.

Although he says he has not yet made up his mind, there is mounting speculation that he will choose to leave.

An announcement could be made as early as Monday.

But Ruddock said he had no fears over the idea of him staying on. “I don’t think that’s an issue,” said Ruddock. “He’s been around a while but he’s keeping everyone in the right frame of mind and everyone on their toes. There’s a good working environment.

“Whether he does (stay) or not I don’t know.” BALLYMENA United hit top spot in the Danske Bank Premiership as they ground out a hard-fought 2-1 win over Newry City at the Newry Showgrounds last night after a brace of first-half goals.

Adam Lecky and Andy McGrory both found the net in the opening 45 minutes for David Jeffrey’s Braidmen, who will be overtaken by Linfield if the Blues defeat Cliftonville at Windsor Park this afternoon.

Despite seeing keeper Andy Coleman red-carded in the second half, Newry did make the game interesting through a Dale Montgomery strike. However the Sky Blues held on to climb to the summit of the table after their 13th win in 14 matches in all competitions.

Elsewhere today, third-placed Glenavon host Ards, Coleraine travel to Warrenpoint Town, Crusaders are at home to Institute, and Glentoran make the trip to Dungannon Swifts.

LUCKY 13 FOR BRAIDMEN: Page 51