1. #FAI CUP Shamrock Rovers booked their spot in next month’s FAI Cup final against Sligo Rovers at the Aviva Stadium thanks to a superb Chris Turner strike in the semi-final replay at Richmond Park last night.

However the victory – which boosts the Hoops’ flagging season – was marrred by an ugly pitch invasion at the final whistle by visiting fans which led to several fights before stewards and gardaí restored order.

RTÉ’s soccer correspondent Tony O’Donoghue this morning labelled those responsible “hoody-clad, umbrella-wielding morons”.

2. #ROONEY After Alex Ferguson’s dramatic and surprisingly frank press conference yesterday in which he revelaed that Wayne Rooney did in fact want to leave the Old Trafford club, this morning’s newspapers are brimming with speculation on where the England striker will pitch up next.

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has given the nod to boss Carlo Ancelotti to swoop for Rooney according to the Daily Mail. While The Guardian ponders six possible destinations around Europe for the Scouser.

But wipe that smile off your face Liverpool fans; Fergie wants Fernando Torres to replace Rooney in January.

3. #CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Despite the distraction of Rooney’s imminent dpearture – and his largely ignored training ground injury yesterday -  United face Turkish champions Bursaspor at Old Trafford tonight.

Michael Owen also has a minor groin problem and will not be considered for another 10 days, while United are without winger Ryan Giggs and Jonny Evans due to niggling injuries.

Tottenham, meanwhile, are without suspended forward Rafael van der Vaart as they take on champions Inter Milan at the San Siro.

4. #RYDER CUP Ireland’s Paul McGinley could become Ryder Cup captain as early as two years’ time , should health problems force hotly-fancied Jose Maria Olazabal to turn down the job.

The popular Spaniard has informed Thomas Bjorn, chairman of the Tournament Players Committee, that he would only be prepared to accept the role on the proviso that the committee understand he could be sidelined for much of the 2012 qualifying period – as he battles rheumatism. The condition has severely limited his tour appearances this year.

5. #AUTUMN INTERNATIONALS After Declan Kidney announced his 34-man squad for next month’s four Tests, it has emerged that Geordan Murphy may still have a role to play despite being omitted.

The full-back is not available for the glamour November 6 clash with South Africa, but is set to return for the remaining games against Samoa, New Zealand and Argentina.

6. #INTERNATIONAL RULES Ireland’s series boss Anthony Tohill has now finalised his panel by drafting in Kildare defender Emmett Bolton and Offaly attacker Niall McNamee for the showdown with Australia in Limerick on Saturday.

McNamee replaces the injured Down attacker Benny Coulter while Bolton comes in for Cork full-back Michael Shields who is ruled out due to his participation with St Finbarr’s in next Sunday’s Cork SFC final.

7. #FIGHT Irish boxing fans are rubbing their hands with glee this morning as home favourites John Duddy and Andy Lee look set to go head-to-head at Madison Square Garden in New York in the new year.