... Sport

• Lerner interviews Houllier for Villa job

Former Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier has emerged as a leading candidate to replace Martin O’Neill as Aston Villa manager.

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• Bethrah primed for Leopardstown return

Bethrah starts what could be a fascinating autumn campaign when she returns to action in the Coolmore Fusaichi Pegasus Matron Stakes at Leopardstown tomorrow.

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• Button primed for title scrap

Jenson Button has warned McLaren’s Formula One rivals the team are heading into the remainder of the season in “full-on battle mode”.

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• Agent: City wanted Borriello

Italy international Marco Borriello came close to signing for Manchester City earlier this week, according to his agent.

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• Worthington warns over discipline

Northern Ireland manager Nigel Worthington has warned his players he will have no hesitation in punishing those who step out of line on the pitch.

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• Sharapova sets up Capra clash

Maria Sharapova will face the new hero of American tennis for the second year running at the US Open after booking her place in the third round at Flushing Meadows.

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• Minasyan aims to upset Trapattonis Republic plans

Armenia coach Vardan Minasyan is relishing the chance to lock horns with one of international football’s veterans tonight.

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• Tipp unchanged for final

In selecting his team for Sunday's All-Ireland SHC final against Kilkenny at Croke Park (throw-in 3.30pm), Tipperary manager Liam Sheedy has kept faith with the side that started last time out against Waterford.

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• Rooney relishing last chance with Irish U21side

Adam Rooney is determined to make the most of his last chance to represent the Republic of Ireland at Under-21 level.

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• Federer breezes into round three

Roger Federer enjoyed another comfortable victory to secure his place in the third round of the US Open at Flushing Meadows today.

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• Fish to the fore at US Open

Mardy Fish today continued his impressive form to power into the third round of the US Open at Flushing Meadows.

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• Manassero makes the right start

The latest Italian to make the Ryder Cup was outshone in Switzerland today by the 17-year-old very likely to be the next one.

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• Van der Vaart keen to earn his Spurs

Rafael van der Vaart maintains he was no “failure” at Real Madrid – but will not take a place in the Tottenham team for granted.

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• Maher driven by All-Ireland double dream

Tipperary midfielder Brendan Maher is hoping for an All-Ireland double in the coming weeks.

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• Zvonareva advances at Flushing Meadows

Wimbledon finalist Vera Zvonareva safely moved into the third round of the US Open today with victory over Germany’s Sabine Lisicki.

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• Gerrard wants positive start to Euro campaign

Skipper Steven Gerrard has called on England to make a statement of intent in their opening Euro 2012 qualifier against Bulgaria tomorrow night.

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• DArcy gets the nod for Ulster

Rugby league recruit Adam D'Arcy retains his place at full-back for Ulster's opening Magners League clash with the Ospreys at Ravenhill on Friday night (KO 7.05pm).

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• Carragher admits title is out of reach

Defender Jamie Carragher accepts Liverpool’s best chance of silverware this season will come in cup competitions as they have too much ground to make up on the likes of title-contenders Chelsea and Manchester United.

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• Keane and Dunne expected to make Armenia clash

Republic of Ireland skipper Robbie Keane and experienced defender Richard Dunne are both expected to be fit for tomorrow’s Euro 2012 qualifier against Armenia.

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• Bruce eyes more scalps

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce is hoping his side can maintain their impressive return against the Barclays Premier League big boys.

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