The Irish props John Hayes and Marcus Horan also make a strong case, as does Adam Jones from Wales.

BBC: Jeremy Guscott column

The 28-year-old from Belfast proved a class apart as he topped the leaderboard ahead of Scotland's Richie Ramsay, France's Raphael Jacquelin and England's Marcus Higley -- while American John Daly would have been joint second as well but for two closing bogeys.

CNN: Maybin breaks course record for Italy lead

O'Leary's job will be made easier if his pack performs so the front row of John Hayes, Rory Best and Marcus Horan and need to deliver.

BBC: Jeremy Guscott column

Historically, the Super Bowl MVP has been won by the great (Joe Montana, John Elway, Jerry Rice, Marcus Allen) and the not-so-great (Mark Rypien, Doug Williams, Santonio Holmes).

FORBES: Joe Flacco Isn't A Star. Why Pay Him Like One?

John Connolly scored an 83rd-minute penalty after Marcus Kane tripped Chris Scannell and Robert Garrett was sent-off for a second yellow card after 87.

BBC: Cliftonville 3-1 Linfield

"You did not start the violence, it was started by the violent elbowing of Marcus McGee in the face by one of your friends, John Doran, " Globe said.

CNN: Gerrard cleared on affray charge

But they have problems up front with John Hartson ruled out until March, Carl Cort struggling with a hamstring injury and Marcus Gayle about to depart on international duty.

BBC: Blues pin hopes on US supersub

Washington D John Erskine sat out after sustaining an upper body injury early in Saturday's game, while C Marcus Johansson returned after missing 12 games with a concussion.

WSJ: Ovechkin penalties spur Rangers' 4-1 win over Caps