It has been reported that the FAI have asked GAA officials for permission to play a training game at Croke Park before the Euro 2008 qualifier against San Marino on November 15th. That means that the first soccer match to be played at GAA headquarters could well be in ten days time on Sunday November 12th or Monday 13th and not next March when Ireland are due to play Wales in a European qualifier. Rugby was expected to be the first 'foreign' sport played at Croke Park when Ireland play France on February 11th, but sources close to the FAI and the IRFU have revealed that both soccer boss Steve Staunton and his rugby counterpart Eddie O'Sullivan are keen to see their sides have a run out at the Jones Road venue before their respective competitive matches. Ireland are due to play a 'B' international against Scotland the night before the match against San Marino and this would be the ideal opportunity for Staunton to play a friendly match in Croke Park, but as yet GAA officials have not given the go-ahead for the game. Tweet

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