Ireland have played this month its clearly a huge challenge for us, said

WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. -- Say this about Dale Earnhardt Jr. -- he follows doctors orders.After missing three straight Sprint Cup races because of lingering effects of a concussion, NASCARs most popular driver did something Friday thats part of his therapy -- he made his first public appearance to speak about his recovery.I missed my team, my teammates, Earnhardt said. I just wanted to come see everybody. I get to hang out with my guys a little bit. This has been so weird not to be at the track. Its frustrating, but its the process. Were just taking it one evaluation at a time.I just want to get better. Nothing else is a priority. Our intentions are to get cleared and get back to racing. Im not ready to quit.Doctors told Earnhardt his latest injury occurred June 12 at Michigan International Speedway. He was clipped in the rear by Chris Bueschers No. 34 while racing three wide with AJ Allmendinger and hit the wall at an angle that softened the impact. He drove three more races before symptoms became too severe.The doctors feel they can make my brain stronger to be able to cope with these common events, he said. The event that I had at Michigan I shouldnt have had a concussion from. I should be able to get through events like that without having any issues.Earnhardt has been keeping fans updated on his condition via weekly podcasts. Besides reconnecting with his team and his competitors in the garage, his appearance at the road course in the Finger Lakes of upstate New York served a purpose.My doctor wants to put me in situations that drive the symptoms, Earnhardt said. My doctor calls that exposure, and this is probably the worst situation as far as making my systems go haywire. Thats what he wants. Thats just part of the process.The one thing that I worry most about is ... people making assumptions of where Im at, what Im doing, and what Im up to. I dont want people making assumptions. To give me peace of mind and to bring down any type of stress and anxiety through the process is to open up and be honest about whats going on and how were doing.Earnhardt wont drive at Watkins Glen on Sunday and also will miss the race at Bristol on Aug. 20. Four-time series champion Jeff Gordon, who came out of retirement to fill in for Earnhardt the last two races, will remain behind the wheel in the No. 88 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports.There remains no timetable for Earnhardts return. That decision will be left to his doctors. He underwent further evaluation Monday at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Sports Medicine Concussion Program and said afterward that he continues to experience issues with balance and an ability to focus on an object while he moves his head.Earnhardt expressed frustration at how long hes been out.I never anticipated being out this long, he said. I didnt have this massive accident. The symptoms crept in slowly. I didnt think this was that serious. Its a challenge. I really believe and trust what theyre telling me. Theyre telling me without question were going to get back to normal.---Follow Kekis on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Greek1947 NFL Jerseys Discount .C. -- Kemba Walker and the Charlotte Bobcats got off to a fast start, and the Sacramento Kings were never quite able to catch up. Cheap Football Jerseys . -- The Bishops Gaiters are showing they belong among the countrys top varsity football teams. http://www.nflauthenticproshop.com/ . MORITZ, Switzerland -- Fog prevented downhill racers from getting their Olympic dress rehearsal. Wholesale Football Jerseys . LOUIS -- Valtteri Filppula assisted on three of Tampa Bays four goals, and the Lightning beat the St. Youth Football Jerseys . Uniteds eighth defeat of a wretched campaign means Liverpool, which currently occupies the fourth and final Champions League place, could go nine points clear of its fierce rival by beating West Bromwich Albion on Sunday. Charlie Adam scored both of Stokes goals at Britannia Stadium either side of Robin van Persies equalizer, with a miserable day for seventh-place United capped by first-half injuries to centre halves Jonny Evans and Phil Jones that forced them off. Australia are determined not let England boss Eddie Jones early broadsides derail Saturdays Test clash with Ireland in Dublin.England head coach Jones branded Argentina probably the second best team in the Rugby Championship ahead of facing the Pumas at Twickenham this weekend.That has been interpreted as Australian Jones first barb against his compatriot Wallabies, who face England at Twickenham on December 3.But Australia captain Stephen Moore has insisted Michael Cheikas men will not disrespect Ireland by even thinking of England this week.I think if we started thinking about England this week then wed come up short tomorrow, said Australia captain Moore. So we havent even thought about that game yet.Its disrespectful to the Irish team to even talk about I think. Weve got a massive Test tomorrow, weve spent the whole week preparing for that. And next week well talk about England, so I havent given it any thought.England whitewashed the Wallabies three-nil in Australia in June, so Michael Cheikas side will doubtless be out for revenge at Twickenham.But first the Wallabies must take on Ireland and Moore insisted Australia need the best performance of their northern hemisphere tour to topple Saturdays hosts.Moore believes Irelands 40-29 victory over New Zealand in Chicago merely serves to underline their growing prowess under Kiwi head coach Jooe Schmidt.dddddddddddd.If you look at the way Ireland have played this month its clearly a huge challenge for us, said Moore. They are playing as well as they have for a while.They showed that in Chicago and even last weekend, I know they didnt get the result, but they played some great rugby, the consistency was there. We know its a huge challenge and were going to have to play our best game of the tour to win.Moore will move second on Australias all-time Test appearances list this weekend, drawing level with Adam Ashley-Cooper and Nathan Sharpe on 166 caps.The 33-year-old always relishes taking on Ireland having spent the first five years of his life in Galway. Moores father will attend Saturdays Aviva Stadium clash, with the Queensland Reds front-rower admitting he spent Wednesday catching up with his cousins in Dublin.Its a busier week than usual, theres a lot of people to catch up with so I did a lot of that on Wednesday, said Moore. Growing up Ive probably not seen a lot of my cousins for most of my life so whenever I come to Dublin thats great, it was nice this week.With mum and dad it is a little bit extra special the week, and my dad will be in the crowd tomorrow, so thats something that means a lot to me. ' ' '