Gavin vows to punish French foe

26 November 2009 – By Mark Doyle

Frankie Gavin is promising to take his frustration at seeing the Republic of Ireland robbed of a place in next years World Cup out on his next opponent, Frenchman Samir Tergaoui.

Ireland suffered a heart-breaking play-off defeat by France last Wednesday week, with the ties decisive goal, from William Gallas, coming after two blatant handballs by Thierry Henry.

Gavin, whose parents hail from Tipperary, was devastated by the nature of the loss and is promising to exact a modicum of revenge by taking out Tergaoui when the collide at the Metro Radio Arena in Newcastle on December 5.

“I’m going to smash Tergaoui up for the people of Ireland who feel the same about the French as I do at the moment,” the former amateur star declared.

“This won’t make up for missing out on the biggest football tournament in the world, but it will make me feel a lot better after I’ve knocked him out.

“I don’t normally need anger to get me geared up for a fight, but this fight has really got me going and I can’t wait to set about him a week on Saturday.

“He looks like a good strong kid and he can punch so I’m looking forward to testing myself against him.”