Ireland face a tough group after being drawn against world and European Champions Spain, Italy and
Croatia in Kiev on Friday evening.
Giovanni Trapattoni's side, who will play all of their Group C games in Poland, kick off their
finals campaign against Croatia in Gdansk on 10 June.
Ireland will remain in the port city for the clash against tournament favourites Spain on 14 June,
before travelling to Poznan for the side's final group game against Italy on 18 June.
Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni has won the Philips Manager of the Year award after guiding the
national side to their first major championship finals in 10 years.
The Italian was in competition with Dublin football manager Pat Gilroy, who led the capital side to
their first All-Ireland title in 16 years, Brian Cody, who lifted the Liam McCarthy trophy with
Kilkenny, and Leinster's Heineken Cup-winning coach Joe Schmidt.
Skysports.com understands a host of clubs are tracking Shamrock Rovers striker Karl Sheppard.
Sheppard is out of contract at the end of the month and the news has alerted a number of clubs in
England to his possible availability.
Should Sheppard leave Shamrock Rovers any compensation for his signature would be minimal as he has
only been at the League of Ireland club for a year and joined them on a free transfer.
