McGeady’s spark helps Spartak to Zenit shock

Spartak travelled to St Petersburg yesterday knowing that Zenit had already landed the Russian title, though it was still an important game for McGeady’s team-mates as they needed wins from the Zenit match and the final game of the season, against Lokomotiv Moscow next Sunday, to make sure of Champions League

qualification. McGeady picked up a first half booking but went on to play an important role as Spartak won 3-2, a win which leaves Spartak in joint second place with CSKA Moscow, with only one game left in the season.

Meanwhile, another Irish export, Shane Robinson, had a good weekend as he scored for Finnish side Haka in a 4-1 win over Jaro, with Dubliner Shane McFaul also starring for Haka.

Judge woe as County to miss out

IRELAND U21 star Alan Judge says he’s “devastated” to miss out on the promotion play-offs with Notts County.

Judge (23) scored an impressive eight goals in 48 games for the Magpies, including one in Saturday's 4-1 win over Colchester, but a late surge wasn’t enough to get County into the League One play-offs, as they were pipped on goal difference by Stevenage.

“I’m a bit devastated to have missed out on goal difference, it’s hard to take but we’ll come back stronger,” said the Dubliner.

“We deserved the win at the weekend, it’s just a pity that we didn’t get sixth.”

MK Dons - who have Irish lads Shaun Williams, Stephen Gleeson, Darren Potter and Jay O’Shea in their side - play Huddersfield in the play-offs next weekend.

LEAGUE ONE side Preston have rewarded Irish youngster Will Hayhurst (18) with a new long-term contract.

- AIDAN FITZMAURICE