Xabi Alonso - who once played Gaelic football during a summer he spent in Kells as a 13-year-old - admits it will be difficult for him to face Ireland in tonight's crucial Euro 2012 clash in Gdansk.

The Real Madrid and Spanish midfielder has nothing but fond memories of the time he spent in the Co. Meath town where he stayed to learn English, but he intends putting his love for Ireland to one side for 90 minutes as World champions Spain bid to end the Irish's qualification hopes.

"Of course I like Ireland. I have played there one summer when I was young and I really like it," he is quoted as saying in The Irish Daily Star.

"There is a great atmosphere there and they have great fans. I have friends in Ireland and I know Irish players.

"I did play Gaelic football. I did play and I really liked the culture."

He added: "It is going to very difficult. We know them because they play in the Premier League. When it comes to the Irish team, we'll have to be very patient. We will have to try and score and early goal because that makes things very easy afterwards."

Meanwhile, former Antrim All-Ireland U21 football winner Gerry Armstrong - whose goal gave Northern Ireland a famous victory over Spain in the 1982 World Cup - believes Ireland can spring a surprise tonight.

"I wish Ireland the best of luck. Spain are a good side, but don't treat them as if they can't be beaten because any team can be beaten," he said. Tweet

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