Chelseaand Spurs fight to net Allen
IN FUKUOKA
WHILE Scotland prepared for legal action should they not get to play their game with Japan in Yokohama tomorrow, Ireland became embroiled in controversy of their own at another incredible day at the Rugby World Cup.
Joe Schmidt’s men will play Samoa in Fukuoka this morning (11.45am UK time) knowing a bonus-point win seals their spot in the quarter-finals regardless of whether Typhoon Hagibis wipes out the other deciding game in Pool A. But the state of the pitch at the Hakatanomori Stadium has provided a huge talking point.
After the surface cut up badly during previous games at the venue, the turf has been relayed ahead of today’s key clash but still looked in a sorry state.
At the team’s captain’s run yesterday, Fivemiletown man Chris Farrell was able to lift an entire patch of grass and place a full-size rugby ball underneath as a laughing Jacob Stockdale watched on.
Ireland scrum coach Greg Feek, whose own area of expertise threatens to be most affected, told media in attendance: “You’ve seen the pitch for yourselves. Obviously the organisers told us and both teams know about it, we know they had to relay the pitch. We went out there and just had an inspection and we have been given all the assurances by World Rugby that it’s safe to play on and that’s all we can ask for.” CHELSEA and Tottenham are leading the chase for Linfield’s teenage sensation Charlie Allen.
The 15-year-old, who turns 16 next month, has been in negotiations with Tottenham but now it appears that Chelsea have made a move for the talented young striker.
Allen made his first team debut as a substitute in a 1-1 draw away to Coleraine in April and also replaced Andy Waterworth in the 77th minute of Tuesday’s League Cup win at Dungannon Swifts. Several cross-channel clubs have been alerted to Allen’s potential and offered him trials.
Premier League champions Manchester City and Rangers have also been monitoring the player’s progress and it appears certain Linfield will not be able to hold on to their rising star.
Linfield Academy director Glenn Ferguson has described Allen, who has featured for the Northern Ireland under-17 side, as “one of the brightest prospects” he has seen.
Meanwhile, Conor McMenamin has signed a two-year contract extension with Cliftonville.
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