For all the Paul McShane bashing lately (and we raise our hands on this, although McShane more as a comic foil than the death of football), the haters must take a breath and acknowledge that the Wicklow man has handled an incredibly awkward situation about as classy as could be done. Helped by niggling injuries to other defenders, McShane essentially played Kevin Foley out of his place in Euro2012 when given his chance against Bosnia on Saturday. But in interviews after the match against the Tuscan XI sounded about as a classy as a guy could, given the circumstances.
"I wouldn't say I was thrilled because I know Kev and he's a good friend of mine. I've not been jumping around the place celebrating. I just tried to keep things on an even keel.
"I am happy obviously to be in the 23 and I didn't expect to be in it. I am happy deep down, but I do feel for Kevin.
"The minute I was told I was in I thought of Kev straight away because it is disappointing. His family had planned to come over. Football is a cruel sport sometimes."
Amen to that. The family element must make it a real kick in the balls for Foley
