Sir, – Eddie Smyth (August 6th) would be well advised not to hold his breath waiting for a League of Ireland player to get the call for the senior international squad. It just isn't going to happen. When he was manager of Ireland, Jack Charlton was asked if he had ever been to a league match in the Republic. He said that he hadn't, as he believed that if a player was good enough, he would be playing in England. – Yours, etc,
FRANK GREANEY,
Formby,
Liverpool.
A chara, – Eddie Smyth (August 6th) criticises the FAI for its paltry investment in League of Ireland soccer. However, the unfortunate reality is that we are a small nation, situated right beside the richest league in the world. As such, we can never aspire to be anything more than a feeder league for English clubs, and the first priority of any young Irish player with ambition will always be to relocate across the water as soon as possible. No amount of financing from our soccer authorities will change this.
Congratulations to Dundalk on their wonderful victory over Bate Borisov, and the very best of luck against Legia Warsaw next week. – Is mise, – Yours, etc,
Dr GARETH P KEELEY,
Grenoble,
France.