John O'Shea and Park Ji-Sung both had good opportunities blocked in the box, while Zenit keeper Vyacheslav Malafeev did well to deny Rooney with the minutes ticking down.

BBC: Man Utd 1-2 Zenit St Petersburg

Rose is a joint venture by three local companies - O'Kane Poultry, Moy Park and Glenfarm Holdings.

BBC: Glenavy chicken litter incinerator is approved

Villa manager Gerard Houllier's youthful side showed plenty of endeavour but were desperately short on the class their opponents had at their disposal and were heavily punished as they continued the struggles the Frenchman has endured since succeeding Martin O'Neill in the Villa Park hot-seat.

BBC: Aston Villa 1-2 Tottenham

Fans cheered and clapped as former Leeds boss O'Leary left Villa Park at 2200 BST on Wednesday following a six-hour meeting.

BBC: O'Leary has left Villa with immediate effect

The spotlight at Croke Park though will centre on the legendary Brian O'Driscoll as he follows Ireland team-mate John Hayes into the 100-cap club for his country.

BBC: Ireland v Wales

Hartley was cited by an independent match commissioner for making contact with the eye areas of O'Connor, Joe Worsley and Haskell during his side's 35-29 defeat at Adams Park.

BBC: Saints withdraw Hartley's appeal

And O'Neill said he expected Blackburn's second-half approach to be on display again at Villa Park.

BBC: Blackburn must get first against Villa, says Allardyce

The 63-year-old Frenchman has had a difficult time since taking over at Villa Park in September following Martin O'Neill's shock resignation in August.

BBC: Gerard Houllier denies Aston Villa player rebellion