NEED TO CATCH up? TheScore.ie brings you a round-up of today’s sports news…..

New faces David McGoldrick and Cyrus Christie in training today. Donall Farmer / INPHO Donall Farmer / INPHO / INPHO

Ireland v Scotland

• New addition Cyrus Christie says he’s ready to play if Martin O’Neill thinks he’s worthy of a cap.
• ‘Scotland wish they still had McCarthy and McGeady‘ says Shay Given.
• The You Boys In Green supporters group are not best pleased with John Delaney’s latest intervention in the Scotland ticket affair.
• Glenn Whelan might not be in the Ireland squad at the moment but he still turned up for training today in a bid to prove his fitness.

Home

Georgia's Davit Kubriashvili takes an unusual approach to training in Dublin today. Donall Farmer / INPHO Donall Farmer / INPHO / INPHO

• Andrew Trimble and Niamh Briggs were today named as the Rugby Writers of Ireland Players of the Year for 2014.
• To nobody’s surprise, Rob Kearney is delighted with how easy his contract negotiations were.
• The Ulster duo of Chris Henry and Jared Payne remain fitness concerns ahead of the Georgia Test.
• Shamrock Rovers announced the signing of Keith Fahey from their Inchicore rivals St. Pat’s.
• Tyrone’s Cathal McCarron announced his return to training following some high-profile off-the-field problems.

Away

Morocco fans won't be at this year's African Cup of Nations. Peter Byrne / /EMPICS Sport Peter Byrne / /EMPICS Sport / /EMPICS Sport

• The African Cup of Nations won’t be held in Morocco and the country was disqualified from the tournament.
• Vanessa-Mae was found to have pulled some strings to qualify for this year’s Winter Olympics.
• Dutch legend Johan Cruyff claimed Mario Balotelli’s attitude and poor form come from a lack of education.
• The secret to Tom Brady’s success at the New England Patriots came as a bit of a surprise.

The best thing we shared today

We don’t really need an excuse to show this picture of Brian Cody and a sky-diving nun again but news of his new one-year deal with Kilkenny gave us one anyway.

Lorraine O'Sullivan / INPHO Lorraine O'Sullivan / INPHO / INPHO

On the record

“I agree last season was tough. There was a new manager and it was difficult for all the players but we have another new manager now with a new philosophy and we have to work hard.”

- Marouane Fellaini says he was made to feel like a scapegoat for last season’s disappointing campaign under David Moyes.

Where we were today

Bearded gent Ben Blake braved the rain at Malahide and even made a guest appearance on Sky Sports News.

The fixture list

• Ireland return to Malahide as preparations for Friday night’s crunch Euro 2016 qualifier step up a gear.
• With the oval shaped ball, Ireland and Georgia will both train ahead of Sunday’s second November International.

Showbiz, Baby!

Ever wondered what a hurling training session was like but far too lazy to actually attend? Daniel Farrell‘s got the video for you:

“Is there an original ‘Ignition’ by R Kelly or just the remix?”

Hail to the Chiefs for this Zone Read touchdown – Coaches Film

‘I want to take over’: John Joe Nevin ready for home debut on Saturday