Brian Kerr, soon to be the new Irish manager, brought his new 'Babes' to Abu Dhabi in January 2003. Having lost to Korea, they then proceeded to beat the UAE and France to record another victory for the boys in green. Although it was holiday time for the majority of the Fianna in the Emirates, there were of course the hardy few who turned up to see the matches and cheer on the lads, and maybe get a sneak preview of the future...

On their way...a few familiar faces head off to the Al Nayhan stadium...McCarthy of course supporting the wrong country again!

Nice to see Scouse dressed up for a change

Pre France nerves

Back in the Crowne Plaza...good times

Best of luck to Brian Kerr in his new role, and to these lads in the World cup proper in April

Mr Kerr appears happy to hear that Paul Mac has arranged for Spike Island to be used as a training base for Euro 2004...