Former West Indies all-rounder Phil Simmons will be unveiled today as Ireland's next cricket coach, the Sunday Tribune can reveal. Simmons will be announced as coach at the Irish Cricket Union agm in Dundalk.

The former Trinidad and Leicestershire player will take over from Adi Birrell when the South African steps down after the World Cup.

Simmons, who played 26 tests and 143 one day internationals, retired from playing in 2002 and was coach of Zimbabwe from 2004-05. He was removed from the latter job after a farcical period when that country's national side disintegrated. Commentators at the time said that Simmons "was simply too kindly and naive to have succeeded in such a dif"cult position".

During a 1988 tour match against Gloucestershire on his debut tour of England Simmons was struck on the head by a fast ball from David Lawrence in bad light at Bristol. His heart stopped and he required emergency surgery at Frenchay hospital, from which he recovered fully. He remains in close contact with the surgeon who saved his life.

LATE RALLY FROM ST BRENDAN'S GIVES GOOD COUNSEL A REAL FRIGHT

Good Counsel College New Ross held off a late scoring surge from St Brendan's CS of Birr to emerge with a one-point win in the Leinster Colleges senior hurling championship quarter-final at Thomastown yesterday.

The Offaly college got off to the ideal start leading 1-2 to 0-0 after just four minutes, the goal scored by Odhran Kealey. But two goals from Tom Fitzharris pushed Good Counsel into a 2-6 to 1-7 lead at the interval.

The Wexford men managed to secure a fivepoint lead going into the final five minutes but points from St Brendan's Niall Cleary, Eanna Murphy and Odhran Sealey left Good Counsel hanging on by their fingernails on a scoreline of 210 to 1-12.

FORMER WORLD CHAMPION LEWIS MAY CONSIDER A RETURN TO THE RING

Lennox Lewis is said to be considering a return to the ring at the age of 41. The former world heavyweight champion retired in June 2003 after victory over Vitali Klitschko. Ex-WBC title holder Klitschko recently announced his comeback, fuelling speculation of a rematch with Lewis.

"Lennox has been discussing the prospect of a oneoff world title rematch with Klitschko, " boxing promotor Bob Arum said yesterday. "I am told Lennox is back in the gym. This is an enormous "ght in the making."

However, the prospect of Lewis's return has not been greeted with universal approval. British promoter Frank Warren was among those to urge Lewis not to make a comeback.

"He has gone out on a high, he is very wealthy, and boxing is full of stories of guys who have made a comeback and ruined their legacy, " Warren said.

STRACHAN DENIES DOUBTS OVER FORM OF GRAVESEN AT PARKHEAD

Gordon Strachan has played down the significance of Thomas Gravesen's recent absence from the Celtic midfield. The former Real Madrid player, thought to be the highest-paid player at Parkhead, has blown hot and cold since arriving in the summer for a fee thought to be around �2million.

However, Strachan, preparing his side for today's quarter-final tie at Inverness Caledonian Thistle, bristled with indignation when asked if Gravesen's recent absence cast a doubt over the Dane's future in Glasgow. "You never said that about [Jiri] Jarosik when he was out. You never said that about [Kenny] Miller when he was out, " Strachan said.

"Why should it be more special for Thomas? The reason is he is higher profile but there is no bigger mountain to climb for him than anyone else."

DUFF WARNS THAT MAGPIES CAN NOT BE COMPLACENT IN PREMIERSHIP

Newcastle winger Damien Duff has warned his teammates they cannot afford a European hangover as they attempt to maintain their climb up the Premiership table. The Magpies travel to struggling Wigan today determined to build upon a 2-1 victory over Liverpool in their last league game.

"We have played a lot of games in Europe this season and sometimes that has cost us games in the Premiership, " Duff said. "Sometimes we have put in some sluggish performances on the Sunday after European games. But hopefully that will not happen this weekend." Thursday night's 1-0 UEFA Cup victory over Zulte Waregem at St James' Park set few pulses racing, but Duff is aware that the grind of the Premiership is an altogether different prospect.

"As soon as the "nal whistle went on Thursday, we were looking forward to the game. Home or away, we want to improve in every aspect and we are working hard on that every day."

JORDANSTOWN LOOK TO RETAIN UNIVERSITIES SOCCER CROWN

The Collingwood Cup, the blue riband competition of the Irish Universities soccer season, kicks off tomorrow at the DCU Sports Grounds in Glasnevin.

Thirteen colleges will take part in the All Ireland competition which is now run off on a knockout basis over four days.

Holders Jordanstown, who defeated hosts Coleraine in a penalty shootout last year, will travel with a strong squad. Manager Shane McCullough is confident they can retain the trophy commenting: "It's always difficult to keep a hold of the Collingwood Cup, up to last year UCC won it four times on the trot so we are hoping to get at least another year out of it."

UCD may start favourites but they face a tricky quarter final against Queens on Tuesday.

GERMANY TAKE A1 POLE AS LYONS QUALIFIES SIXTH FOR IRELAND

Championship leaders Germany have secured pole position for today's A1GP race in Durban, holding off a late charge from France in qualifying.

In an incident-"lled session peppered with red "ags, Nico Hulkenberg set his lap time of one minute 17.520 seconds just as there was a stoppage, meaning he had to sit and watch rival countries attempt to knock him down the grid when the session restarted.

Loic Duval for France came the closest, ending his circuit of the tight street venue just 0.181secs shy of the pace to lie third on the grid. In the end, New Zealand, piloted by Matthew Halliday, took second place, 0.141secs behind Germany.

Ireland's Richard Lyons quali"ed seventh in a car that had to be swiftly rebuilt after striking a wall towards the end of morning practice.

HEARN'S GOALS THE DIFFERENCE AS WEXFORD ENJOY A WINNING START

Wexford made a tremendous start to their Division 1A National Camogie League campaign at Piercestown yesterday.

Goals in either half from Michelle Hearn proved decisive as Wexford claimed a rare 2-4 to 0-9 victory over All Ireland champions Cork.

Cork B made up for the disappointment of their A counter by snatching a 2-6 to 2-5 win over Wexford with a 45th-minute goal from Hazel O'Regan they decisive score.

CULLEN AND MARTYN AMONG THOSE TO BE HONOURED AT SLIGO AWARDS

Sligo's international athlete, Mary Cullen, is among the 17 competitors who will be honoured at next Friday's 10th annual Sligo Sports Awards ceremony. Others set to pick up awards are Derry City's Ciaran Martyn, gaelic footballers Adrian Marren and Katrina Connolly, and Gus Henry who picks up the Hall of Fame award.