SPORTSPORT 24 METROSPORT Thursday, November 5, 2009 D Certified Distribution August 31 to October 4, 2009: 60,395 Published by Fortunegreen Ltd, Embassy House, Herbert Park Lane, Dublin 4 Printed by The Irish Times at Citywest in Dublin Editorial: (01) 637 5900 Advertising: (01) 637 5989 Classified: (01) 637 5979 Distribution: (01) 637 5901 IRELAND coach Declan Kidney has confirmed Brian ODriscoll will skipper the Grand Slam champions for their series of Test matches against Australia, Fiji and South Africa. Kidney has his players in Limerick this week as they step up preparations for the three-match series, which begins against Australia at Croke Park on Sunday week. In ironing out the captaincy issue, the Grand Slam-winning coach heaped praise on ODriscoll, who has captained Ireland full-time since 2004, and also commended others in the squad for their leadership, saying Paul OConnell captained both the Lions and Munster well, while Donncha OCallaghan and Ronan OGara both captained the Lions, with OGara having captained Munster and Ireland too. In Brians case, he brings a lot of experience to it, like the other lads would do, he is motoring well at the moment so we just felt it prudent [to pick him]. Its been a long time since we were together... so, for continuity and for a whole host of reasons really, we decided to stay with him. But Kidney stressed the captaincy issue is treated on a series-by-series basis and a new skipper could yet be installed for the Six Nations in the spring. The major concern for Kidney ahead of the Wallabies game is the fitness of long- serving prop Marcus Horan, who is currently undergoing medical tests. He was replaced after 20 minutes of Munsters Heineken Cup win over Benetton Treviso last month, complaining of dizziness, and the Grand Slam winners availability for the Test series will not be known until later in the week when the tests are expected to be completed. Kidney explained: There are ongoing investigations and, not being a medic, I wouldnt know [exactly what is wrong]. In this job you cant afford to rule guys out until they are definitely out. He would need to be active next week to be involved. ODriscoll to retain Irish armband Continuity: ODriscoll keeps leadership role Irish cricket chiefs seek Test status Page 21 Evra out to forget battle at Bridge Page 22 Tamed by Lyon Liverpools Euro dream in balance RAFAEL BENITEZ suffered another blow last night as Liverpools European hopes were left hanging by a thread in Lyon. Substitute Ryan Babel had appeared to have given the Reds victory with an 83rd-minute strike but Lisandro Lopez levelled for Lyon at the death to send the French side through. It means Liverpool will crash out of the Champions League if Fiorentina beat Lyon in Italy in three weeks time which would also leave Benitez facing yet more questions over his Anfield future. But a defiant Jamie Carragher refused to concede his sides cam- paign is over. The defender said: We still believe we will get through. We know its going to be difficult but were not out of it yet. All we can do is win our next two games and see what happens. A draw doesnt mean were to- tally out of it. We have been in dif- ficult positions before and weve come through. Arsenal fared far better in Group H as they eased past AZ Alkmaar to all but secure their place in the last 16. Skipper Cesc Fabregas netted twice with Samir Nasri and Abou Diaby also on target in an easy 4-1 home win. Fernand-woe: Torres cannot hide his disappointment on another bad night for Liverpool Picture: Propaganda By DAve FiLmer Reports: Pages 22-23 index.html2.html3.html4.html5.html6.html7.html8.html9.html10.html11.html12.html13.html14.html15.html16.html17.html18.html19.html20.html21.html22.html23.html24.html25.html26.html27.html