Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni has hailed the great performances of replacements Shane Long and Keith Fahey as Ireland picked up a vital point last night in Slovakia.
Long was given his chance up front because of Kevin Doyle's knee injury, while Birmingham midfielder Fahey came in for his first competitive start after Liam Lawrence failed a late fitness test.
And both played their part in the 1-1 draw, with Fahey sending over the free-kick which resulted in Sean St Ledger giving the visitors the lead, while Reading forward Long was a constant menace to the Slovakia defence.
Trapattoni said: 'I thought Shane Long and Keith Fahey played great games. For the future we can have confidence in them knowing the options we have in the squad.
'We have time in the future, our next game is a friendly. I can maybe play one or two other young players and we can start the qualification again with more confidence.'
Last night's display capped a terrific international break for Long, who scored his first competitive goal in Friday's 3-2 defeat to Russia.
Trapattoni believes there is plenty the 23-year-old still has to learn about the tactical side of the game, but he is confident the raw ingredients are there.
'We thought about it in training because he's young,' Trapattoni added. 'We played a tactical game in training.
'He can show us pace but he is still young to master the tactical side of the game. He has technical quality and in the future he will understand.'
Group B looks set to be one of the tightest groups in the whole competition, with Russia now two points ahead of Ireland, Slovakia and Armenia courtesy of their lucky 1-0 victory in Macedonia.
Defeat to Slovakia would have left The Boys In Green with a major uphill battle but Trapattoni believes the reverse fixtures next year, when they play away in Russia then at home to Slovakia, are likely to prove decisive in sorting the final standings in the group..
'We have again this combination of games,' he said. 'Our group is very balanced. Russia won but only 1-0 and Macedonia missed a penalty.
'There are many situations that can happen. It's not about today or tomorrow, there are many games. It's important we believe in our performance, our attitude and our system.'
Slovakia coach Vladimir Weiss agreed, adding: 'The group is very even and Ireland, Armenia and Russia all have great teams so it all depends on the next games.'
Ireland got their European 2012 qualifying campaign back on course with a battling draw against Slovakia in Zilina - but were left to rue Robbie Keane's missed penalty just before the end of the first half.
After Sean St Ledger's opener had been cancelled out by Jan Durica in the 36th minute, Ireland were handed a glorious chance to retake the lead in first-half stoppage time when Aiden McGeady was felled by The Slovakian goalkeeper, Jan Mucha.
But the goalkeeper made up for his error with a fine save, and, as Slovakia dominated most of the second half, Ireland were left hanging on for a point which keeps them level with their opponents in Group B.
Giovanni Trapattoni made two enforced changes from the side that lost 3-2 to Russia on Friday, with the injured Kevin Doyle and Liam Lawrence replaced by Shane Long and Keith Fahey. Both Long and Fahey impressed during the game and did not seem out of place in the starting eleven.
All the talk in the build-up to the match had been about the Ireland's perceived negative tactics against Russia and their reliance on the long ball. But they dominated possession in the early stages and, after a couple of scares when Kornel Salata headed over and Juraj Kucka shot wide, took a thoroughly deserved lead in the 16th minute.
Durica fouled the impressive Shane Long wide on the right and, when the Slovakia defence failed to deal with Fahey's free-kick, St Ledger squeezed a shot inside the post.
Midfield duo Whelan and Paul Green, who had struggled so badly against Russia, were better than their last outing, but their are clearly still big problems for Ireland in the central midfield area.
In the 36th minute, from their first corner of the game, Slovakia equalised as Hamsik's cross was flicked on for Durica to power a header in off the crossbar. Whelan was left somewhat exposed for the goal with none of the big Irish defenders guarding the back post.
Ireland should arguably should have retaken the lead four minutes later after great work from Long down the right but Keane could not get enough of a touch to turn it in. Keane is clearly suffering from the lack of first team football with Spurs and looked like a player who was missing that killer touch, that has served Ireland so well in the past.
Paul Green then picked up an injury and had to be replaced by Darron Gibson.
With the half entering injury time, Ireland were presented with a glorious chance to move back ahead when Mucha was adjudged to have brought down Aiden McGeady as he ran onto a through-ball from Richard Dunne.
Keane stepped up but his penalty was too close to the keeper, who made up for his mistake in the best possible fashion.
Slovakia started the second half with renewed purpose and Shay Given nearly paid the price for taking too long to clear as Stanislav Sestak closed in, with the ball cannoning off the striker but away from goal.
In a reverse of the first half, it was the The Boys In Green who were camped in their own half, with Whelan's ambitious volley from 40 yards the sum total of their efforts as the clocked reached 65 minutes.
Trapattoni made his first substitution in the 71st minute, bringing on Andy Keogh for the impressive Fahey, while his opposite number introduced Stoch and Filip Holosko.
Ireland had a good chance with five minutes to play when the ball broke to Keane eight yards out but, after turning smartly, the captain could not keep his shot down. And despite of the constant singing of Ireland's heroic 12th man (the supporters), who once again did the country proud with their unyealding support for the team, Ireland return home with a point.
But overall, a point is not the worst result for Ireland and they remain in the hunt for qualifiction, but with the Russian's scraping a lucky 1-0 win away in Macedonia this evening, they are clearly now the front runners to win group B.
For Trapattoni the problems surrounding the central midfield pairing continues to be a major concern with neither Whelan, Gibson or Green looking like the solution to the long term effectiveness of a strong, confident midfield. On the plus side, both Fahey and Long impressed with their positive play and direct style.
It is hoped that Trapattoni will use next month's friendly game aganst Norway to blood some of the new, upcoming players who are currently on the fringes of the squad like Marc Wilson, James McCarthy and Seamus Coleman. This will hopefully give the manager more options prior to our next qualification game against Macedonia in March 2011
Giovanni Tapattoni has named his Ireland team for the crucial European qualifier against Slovakia in Zilina this evening.
As expected, Shane Long is a straight replacement for the injured striker - Kevin Doyle, and will partner Robbie Keane up front.
The back four remains unchanged from the Russia defeat last week with O'Shea, Dunne, St. Ledger and Kilbane all starting.
The suspect midfield pairing of Paul Green and Glenn Whelan get a chance to redeem themselves for their poor performance last week and Tapattoni will be be expecting a much more commanding shift from the key central midfielders.
The only other change from the starting eleven last Friday is the inclusion of Keith Fahey for the injured Liam Lawrence on the right wing. Aiden McGeady retains his place on the opposite wing and Shay Given starts in goal.
Shane Long is ready to take the place of the injured Kevin Doyle for Ireland's crucial European qualifier against Slovakia tomorrow evening.
Ireland are looking to bounce back from Friday nights 3-2 defeat by Russia in Dublin but were dealt a serious blow yesterday when striker Kevin Doyle was ruled out of the match in Zilina with a knee injury.
With manager Goivanni Trapattoni seemingly committed to playing two up front, either Long or Doyle’s on-loan Wolves team-mate Andy Keogh looks certain to be given a start
And it's the 23-year-old Tipperary born striker Long who looks the favourite after coming off the bench to score Ireland's second goal against the Russians.
Long said: “Nothing’s set in stone yet but I’d love to get a run on Tuesday night. It’s a massive thing to play for your country and I’ve only started once for Ireland in a competitive game.
“If I get the nod, I’ll be ready. It’s nice coming off the bench when the other team’s a little bit tired but I feel like I’ve been playing well for my club and it’s nice to show what you’re about.
“With the players we have in the squad, when you do get the chance you’ve got to take it. That adds to your own game a bit when you know it’s now or never, you go out and give it your all and hopefully it’s enough.
“They’re big boots to fill so there’s going to be extra pressure on whoever comes in up front but I’m looking forward to the challenge. It’s a big game and if we can get three points it would turn the table right round.”
Ireland go into the match locked on six points with Slovakia and Russia after losing their 100% record in group B, and Long admitted the stakes have now been raised heading into what is expected to be one of the most difficult matches of the current campaign.
The striker said: “We’ve got pride and it’s not nice to lose at home but if we get a win in Slovakia it will redeem things a bit. Three from six points wouldn’t look so bad.
“At the start of the group stages we thought maybe draw our away games and try to win as many home games as we can but after Friday three points is more of a reasonable target for us.”
A lot of the focus in the aftermath of Friday’s loss has been on the Republic’s reliance on the long ball, with defender Richard Dunne particularly critical.
Long, though, has a different perspective, and is happy to take over from Doyle as the target man.
“I feel I’m good in the air as well,” he added. “Defenders don’t expect me to get up there but I can surprise them and if it comes long I’m sure I can deal with it.
“I don’t think we set out to play like that against Russia but it was hard to pass through the middle. We seemed to get a few shots off from that approach and it seemed to work so why change something that works?"
Issue 24 of You Boys In Green magazine is now available for download and to read online. This months issue features:
Barry MaGuire exclusive
Interview with Ipswich's new signing Mark Kennedy
Clinton Morrison is our Cult Hero
League of Ireland, Pats, Sligo and Drogs
The Recent trip to Armenia
Slovakia next week - what to expect
Aiden McGeady - the lowdown
You Girls in Green
Click the link in the sidebar to read online
Ireland striker Kevin Doyle has been ruled out of Tuesday's European Championship qualifier against Slovakia due of a knee injury.
The Football Association of Ireland said this morning that the Wolves player had returned to his club for treatment.
Manager Giovanni Trapattoni has decided not to call up a replacement with the remaining 21 players fit to travel.
Ireland need to secure three points against Slovakia after losing 3-2 at home to Russia in Friday's Group B match. Either Shane Long or Andy Keogh are likely to replace the injured Doyle in Ireland's starting eleven.
Russia withstood a late onslaught from Ireland to claim a crucial 3-2 victory in their Euro 2012 qualifying Group B game at Lansdowne Road last night.
The visitors led through first-half goals from Alexander Kerzhakov and Alan Dzagoev, as well as a deflected strike from Roman Shirokov.
Ireland responded through Robbie Keane's penalty and a close-range effort from Shane Long, but Russia held on despite pressure from the home side in the final ten minutes.
The Boys in Green were outplayed for much of the match but all is not lost as there are enough games left in the group to right this wrong.
However, confidence will have taken a hit and will need to be restored before Tuesday's crucial tie against Slovakia in Zilina.
Slovakia's defeat to Armenia earlier in the day had left the door open for these sides.
With 20 minutes remaining Russia appeared to be coasting to an easy victory after subduing a previously vociferous home crowd.
Russia manager Dick Advocaat had sounded a warning to Ireland that his side would hurt them if they stood off. Unfortunately for the home fans, that view proved wide of the mark for the first hour.
Advocaat had sprung something of a surprise by opting for Kerzhakov to lead the attack in place of Pavel Pogrebynak, but the Zenit St Petersburg man was to repay his manager's faith in him.
It looked good for Ireland as they began brightly, creating several chances in the one attack after Igor Akinfeev parried Aiden McGeady's shot.
Keane's follow-up cross clipped the bar with Kevin Doyle lurking, McGeady then had a penalty appeal turned down, before ending the action with a low shot that flashed across goal.
Kerzhakov opened the scoring for the visitors on 11 minutes with a goal that will have angered Giovanni Trapattoni.
Ireland failed to clear Andrei Arshavin's low free-kick to the front post. Sergey Ignashevich flicked the ball across goal, where Kerzhakov was able to fire home, despite the presence of three Irish players on the line.
In a pulsating and entertaining encounter, Russian tried to exploit their pace on the counter-attack as Ireland went searching for an equaliser.
Given could only push away an Igor Denisov shot and Kevin Kilbane completed the clearance. John O'Shea almost turned the resulting corner from Dzagoev into his own net.
Ireland were rattled when Dzagoev doubled the lead with a goal of real class just before the half hour. Kerzhakov dummied Alexander Anyukov's cross from the right and the ball fell perfectly for Dzagoev to beat Given.
Minutes later, Sean St Ledger was lucky to stay on the field for a hefty challenge on Dzagoev that could have yielded a red card.
Russia were more comfortable on the ball and passed with ease through Ireland's midfield.
Yet Ireland could have got back into the game if they had taken two chances that came their way late in the half.
Akinfeev easily saved Doyle's tame effort after the striker had made space for the shot.
Keane then failed to pick out his team-mate from the byline after skipping past Yuri Zhirkov.
Ireland were fortunate that Anyukov did not put Russia further ahead after a mix-up between Paul Green and Kilbane soon after the restart. However, that reprieve was short-lived.
Shirokov's shot struck the shin of Dunne and whipped past Given. Even more galling for Ireland was that replays showed the shot was off-target.
At the other end, Akinfeev did offer Ireland some hope with less than convincing saves from McGeady and Glenn Whelan.
With the situation looking desperate for Ireland, Giovanni Trapattoni made a bold move by introducing striker Shane Long for Liam Lawrence.
The second half also saw the introduction of Darron Gibson and Keith Fahey as Trapattoni sought to quell Russia's midfield superiority.
Keane gave Ireland a lifeline when he earned a penalty after minimal contact from Zhirkov. The captain sent Akinfeev the wrong way for his 45th international goal. The crowd roared back to life.
Lansdowne Road was rocking when Long reduced the deficit once again on 78 minutes.
Akinfeev did well to keep out another effort from McGeady, but Long was on hand to force home the rebound.
Ireland pushed hard for the equaliser and there were some hair-raising moments at both ends, notably when substitute Pogrebynak missed the proverbial sitter in injury-time.
Ireland remain top of Group B on goal difference but will need to produce better football if they are to be there when the campaign ends.
Republic of Ireland: 1 Given; 4 O'Shea, 2 St Ledger, 5 Dunne, 3 Kilbane; 7 Lawrence (14 Long (62), 6 Whelan (15 Gibson '66), 8 Green, 11 McGeady; 9 Doyle (12 Fahey '71), 10 Keane.
Subs not used: 16 Westwood, 13 McShane, 17 Keogh, 18 Cunningham.
Booked: St Ledger, Doyle.
Russia: 1 Akinfeev; 2 Anyukov, 3 V Beretzutsky, 4 Ignashevich, 5 Zhirkov; 6 Shirokov, 7 Denisov, 8 Zyranov (15 Semshov '68); 11 Dzagoev (14 A Beretzutsky '85), 10 Arshavin; 9 Kerzhakov (16 Pogrebynak '80).
Subs not used: 12 Gabulov, 17 Bystrov, 18 Bilyaletdinov, 19 Bukharov.
Booked: Denisov, A Beretzutsky.
Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni has named an unchanged team for Friday's UEFA European Championship qualifier against Russia at Lansdowne oad
Ireland:
Shay Given (Manchester City), John O'Shea (Manchester United), Sean St Ledger (Preston NE), Richard Dunne (Aston Villa), Kevin Kilbane (Hull City); Liam Lawrence (Portsmouth), Glenn Whelan (Stoke City), Paul Green (Derby County), Aiden McGeady (Spartak Moscow); Robbie Keane (Spurs), Kevin Doyle (Wolves).
Andy Keogh has insisted that Ireland will go into their European Championship clash with Russia in expectation rather than hope.
Their credentials will be put to the tests over the next several days when they play Group favourites Russia in Dublin on Friday and their conquerors last time out, Slovakia, in Zilina next Tuesday.
However, Keogh insists the belief manager Giovanni Trapattoni has instilled in his players over the last two and a half years means they will approach the double-header confident they can emerge with two positive results rather than hoping they do.
He said: “It’s the mentality the manager has brought to the team. He has had the core of players now for a couple of years and he has drilled his tactics and his mentality into us.
“Coming to our home patch, we are going into the game looking to win and wanting to win.
“We are playing the two teams who are going to be up there with us competing to qualify, and the more points we can take from them, the better to try to open up a gap.
“If we continue the type of form we have had in the last two games, we should look good.
“It’s more of the same. We won the last two games, so you can’t complain about that, and there were some good performances as well.”
Keogh has played much of his recent football for Ireland as a midfield replacement, and he could well be needed to provide back-up once again with Damien Duff having withdrawn with a calf injury and Stephen Hunt yet to return to the squad.
But the 24-year-old, currently on loan at Cardiff from Wolves, knows whoever plays on Friday evening, the Irish will have to produce their best form to emerge with the result they desire.
He said: “They are very good. They will be very dangerous, especially on the counter-attack.
“But we will just concentrate on ourselves, try to keep the type of form we have had in the last two games and worry about us scoring and beating them.”
Trapattoni is almost certain to pair skipper Robbie Keane and Kevin Doyle in attack once again.
Doyle has been in fine form for Wolves and has scored in two of his last four games for Ireland.
Keogh said: “From what I hear from the lads, Kevin has been playing very well week in, week out.
“Kevin is the type of player who can come in and do a great job for Ireland, as he does in every game he plays.”
Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni has been handed a welcome fitness boost with the news that Richard Dunne is expected to be fit to face Russia in the side's European championship qualifier on Friday evening at Lansdowne Road.
The Aston Villa defender has been forced to sit out training with the Ireland squad this week, however a scan today revealed no major injury and the Dublin born centreback is expected to return to training on Thursday morning
Dunne has been an integral part of Trapattoni's squad and has played a central role in a solid defence that have conceded just seven goals in their last eight games.
Ireland have six points from their opening two qualifying games and victory against Russia and Slovakia would give 'The Boys In Green' control of Group B at this early stage of the campaign.
Irish winger Liam Lawrence is focusing on another six point haul as Ireland face a pivotal week in their Euro 2012 qualifying group.
Ireland launched their Group campaign with victories over Armenia and Andorra last month, but will take a significant step-up in class over the next few days when they meet Russia and Slovakia, who are first and second seeded teams in Ireland's Group.
Dick Advocaat’s Russia side arrive in Dublin for Friday night’s clash at Lansdowne Road still angry after their 1-0 defeat at the hands of the Slovakians in Moscow, and a positive result for Giovanni Trapattoni’s men would send them to Zilina next Tuesday knowing they could strike a significant blow in the race for qualification.
Lawrence for one believes all six points are there for the taking.
The 27-year-old Portsmouth midfielder said: “I think we can give anyone a game and we can beat anybody, and I do think that six points is within our reach.
“They are two massive games, especially on Friday. It’s going to be a really tough game, but we have come through these tough games in the past and we have got to again.
“They will be stung a little bit and they will be hurting from that defeat.
“I am not sure they will be looking forward to coming here, so hopefully we can catch them again and we can get the win.”
Speaking about Ireland's resolve Lawrence said: “That will be put to the test on Friday because they are one of the biggest sides in the world and they have got some fantastic players.
“But it is going to be up to us, it’s on our turf and hopefully we will give them a good game.
“We have learnt from those games in the past and hopefully it will stand us in good stead for Friday because we are going to have to call upon all our experience and everything we have got for these two games.”
Lawrence started both games last month despite heading away on international duty with his move from Stoke to Portsmouth still up in the air, and is in line to win his 11th senior cap against Russia.
That could bring him into direct conflict with Arsenal’s Andrey Arshavin as he attempts to provide support for full-back John O’Shea.
Asked how he will deal with the hugely-talented Russian, he said with a smile: “I will just leave him to Josh – that’s his job.
“He is a fantastic player, he is brilliant. He does it week in, week out and we will certainly have to watch him.
“We will have to double up all over the pitch – but that’s when we are at our best, when we are pressing teams and getting at them and hunting them down.”
At club level, Lawrence is simply happy to be back playing regular 1st team football, even if it is in the Championship, after finding himself surplus to requirements at the Britannia Stadium, and is confident that will benefit him in his international career.
He said: “I had to leave Stoke to play regular football, and I feel now I am getting back to the player I was 18 months or a year ago.
“I know you say it’s a lesser league, but I just need to be playing regularly and I will be better when I come to these games now.”
Shay Given will rekindle memories of one of the proudest moments of his Ireland international career when he runs out against Russia on Friday evening at Lansdowne Road .
The 34-year-old Donegal goalkeeper made his debut for 'The Boys In Green' in a friendly against the Russians at Lansdowne Road in March 1996.
More than 14 years on, Given is in line to win his 107th cap at the same venue, against the same opposition, although this time, there are three precious Euro 2012 qualifying points at stake.
It has been a difficult few months for the Lifford player, who is still widely regarded as one of the best in the business.
He said regarding the Manchester City situation: "It's not ideal, obviously, maybe more so for the outfield players because they have got to physically run around for a lot longer than I will be running around, I suppose.
"But all I know is whoever the manager picks on Friday, we will give our all for our country, as we have always done.
"That's all you can ask in any sport, to do your best, and I am sure Glenn and Robbie and myself will do our best come Friday night."
Ireland launched their campaign with reasonably routine victories over Armenia and Andorra last month, but know the challenge this time around is far stiffer with Slovakia, who have already beaten the Russians in Moscow, awaiting them in Zilina next Tuesday evening.
Given said: "It's a different level. We have only got off to a good start, we know that, and that's all we could do last month.
"But we know these two games will probably prove where we are as a team and ultimately if we are going to qualify for the European Championships."
Asked if a draw would be a good result, the goalkeeper replied: "Would I take a draw on Friday night? Ideally, we are at home and we want to win, obviously, but we must not lose as well.
"I don't know. It's a good question. We want to win the game, but we know Russia have got some great players and it is going to be one of the most difficult games in the group."
Andrey Arshavin and Pavel Pogrebnyak will be among the biggest threats to Ireland's hopes.
Given said: "They are big, strong, physical guys - but Richard Dunne is pretty big and strong as well.
"He plays in the Premier League every week and Sean St Ledger has been fantastic since he came into the squad, and they will relish the challenge."
Dunne sat out part of training this morning as a precaution as he manages a persistent back problem, but there were no further concerns.
Given will inevitably cast his mind back to 1996 as he completes his preparations and reflect upon a major landmark in his career.
He said: "I remember it quite well, actually. Lots of family and friends and cousins came to watch the game.
"We lost 2-0, which wasn't ideal, but I got to play for my country, which I never thought I would do growing up in Donegal, so it was pretty special."
Richard Dunne took no part in Ireland’s training session this morning in Malahide but Marco Tardelli is “100 per cent” certain the defender will be fit for the Euro 2012 qualifiers against Russia at home and Slovakia away.
Dunne made his comeback from injury for Aston Villa at the weekend and while assistant manager Tardelli admitted he was still slightly niggled by the injury, he insisted today’s absence was purely precautionary.
“He feels well but it is better for him to have the rest for one day,” Tardelli told reporters at the end of training in Malahide. “It is a precaution and there is no problem.”
Dunne is due to train with the rest of the squad tomorrow and Tardelli has no concerns over his availability to start on Friday when Russia come to Lansdowne Road.
Tardelli hopes to gain at least four points from the double-header, a tally that would put Ireland in a position of real strength at the top of Group B, but is under no illusions just how difficult a task lies ahead.
After a shaky start, Russia will arrive in Dublin desperately needing a win to get their campaign back on track and despite their defeat at home to Slovakia, Advocaat’s squad have real strength in depth.
“The Russian team are a very good team with good qualities and they have important players, some who play in England and Germany,” Tardelli cautioned. “The Russian team maybe has better quality than Slovakia but Slovakia are very tough. They are two different teams
“All the players must do their best. Like the other matches . . . we need to press the Russian team because they can play well in the midfield.
“They are a quality teams with many quality players. Arshavin, Pavlyuchenko and other players with Zenit. They are very good technically but with pressure in midfield it is possible for us to attack and it’s possible for us to play well.”
Stoke City defender Marc Wilson has been drafted into Giovanni Trapattoni’s Ireland squad ahead of their crucial European qualifying double-header against Russia and Slovakia.
Wilson from Aghagallon in County Antrim recently made a quick return to the Premiership after moving from cash strapped Portsmouth to Stoke City in a three million pounds deal in early September.
Stoke City manager Tony Pulis speaking at the time of Wilson’s move to The Potters said "He showed great maturity last season in what was a very difficult time for Portsmouth, so he will give us more competition for midfield places."
Wilson received his first international call up from Trapattoni in March this year when he was included in the squad for the glamour friendly against Brazil at the Emirates stadium in London. Speaking at the time of his first senior call-up Wilson said “It was always my dream to play for the Republic. I had grown up supporting them, Words could not describe my feeling when I heard about the call-up.”
Wilson has previously represented Ireland at u18, u19 and u21 levels.
Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni will have to plan for crucial Euro 2012 qualifiers against Russia and Slovakia without the services of Damien Duff and Keith Andrews, who were today both ruled out of the double header.
Both players arrived in Dublin ahead of the match but after scans were sent back to their clubs. Fulham winger Duff is struggling with a calf injury, while Andrews has an ongoing groin complaint. Both players missed the opening two qualifying matches through injury.
Duff picked up a head wound in Saturday's draw with West Ham before subsequently appeared to be limping as he left the pitch 20 minutes before the end. Andrews also had to sit out Blackburn's visit to Stoke.
Less than six days before Ireland’s crucial Euro 2012 qualifier against Russia, Richard Dunne has provided a welcome boost for manager Giovanni Trapattoni after playing the full 90 minutes for Aston Villa against Spurs today.
But there may well be concern among Trapattoni's management team over Damien Duff, who picked up an injury during Fulham’s 1-1 draw at West Ham. Duff limped off 20 minutes from time holding his left calf. The winger missed the wins over Armenia and Andorra last month with a calf injury.
Dunne, who missed the last two Villa matches with a knee injury, was restored to the heart of Villa’s defence but was unable to prevent his side losing 2-1 at White Hart Lane this afternoon.
Dunne was up against Roman Pavlyuchenko, who he is likely to face in Dublin next Friday, and was fortunate not to concede an early penalty when the Russian’s shot hit his hand, the referee deciding it was unintentional.
Marco Tardelli’s recce to the Britannia Stadium, where Stoke faced Blackburn, turned out to be a wasted trip.
The Irish midfield partnership of Glenn Whelan and Keith Andrews had been due to go head-to-head but Andrews was an unused substitute while Whelan was only introduced in the 90th minute as Stoke won 1-0.
Elsewhere, Keith Fahey made a rare start for Birmingham against an Everton side with Seamus Coleman in their ranks. And it was the defender who will enjoy the bragging rights when the squad assembles in Malahide tomorrow night as the Toffees recorded their first win of the season, ending Birmingham’s 18-month home unbeaten run.
Kevin Doyle will have to wait for his first league goal of the season after Wolves were beaten 2-0 at Wigan. James McCarthy, overlooked by Trapattoni for the qualifying double-header, started for Wigan.
In the Championship, Keith Treacy opened the scoring for Preston against Reading but the Royals earned a point when Ian Harte's corner was only half cleared and Jem Karacan fired home. Liam Lawrence was also on the scoresheet, his late penalty enough to grab Portsmouth a point against Middlesbrough.
Darren O’Dea, who has already been ruled out of the Ireland squad, was in line to make a surprise appearance for Ipswich but suffered a recurrence of the knee injury he picked up during training with Ireland last month in the warm-up at Portman Road.
“Darren has been struggling with a knee problem since he went away with the last international squad,” explained Ipswich manager Roy Keane after the 2-1 win over Leeds. “We thought we’d take a chance but as soon as he went out for the warm-up he said he was struggling.”
Ireland, who top Group B with a maximum six points, meet Russia at the Aviva Stadium next Friday before facing Slovakia in Zilina the following Tuesday.
Everton defender Seamus Coleman has been called into the Ireland squad ahead of the Euro 2012 qualifiers against Russia and Slovakia.
The Donegal born full back has been hugely impressive in little more than 180 minutes of first team action this season and despite the Toffees' poor start to the campaign, he comes into Giovanni Trapattoni’s squad for the first time as a result of a calf injury to Stephen Kelly.
Keith Treacy and CSKA Sofia striker Cillian Sheridan are both on standby for the squad having initially been named in a provisional 26-man squad last month.
Midfielder Keith Andrews is due to make his first start of the season for Blackburn Rovers against Stoke tomorrow. Andrews came on as a sub last weekend and played 70 minutes for the reserves in midweek.
Richard Dunne is available for Aston Villa after missing the last two matches with a back injury.
Ireland face Russia at Lansdowne Road next Friday before travelling to Zilina to face Slovakia on October 12th. They currently top the group on six points, ahead of Slovakia on goal difference.
Aiden McGeady will have precious little inside information to impart to his teammates ahead of the Russia game after only one of the Spartak Moscow winger’s teammates was included in Dick Advocaat’s squad and defender Sergei Parshivlyuk is unlikely to start in Dublin.
McGeady will, however, be well aware of the dangers posed by Aleksandr Kerzhakov. The Zenit St. Petersburg striker was cast into the international wilderness following Russia’s World Cup play-off defeat to Slovenia last November. But two hat-tricks in his last three club matches led to a dramatic recall from the Dutch coach as he desperately seeks to rescue the Russians’ qualifying campaign.
Advocaat’s side come into the match under severe pressure following their defeat in Moscow to Slovakia. The reaction to that shock has been predictably scathing and despite claiming he would not bow to the “frenzy in the press or speculations of the fans”, Advocaat has done exactly that.
Dmitri Torbinski and Dmitri Sychev – two of the players singled out for criticism in the Moscow sports dailies – have been cut adrift while Denis Kolodin and Alan Kasaev are also dropped. In come Igor Denisov, fit again after a foot injury, and the uncapped pair of Parshivlyuk and Pavel Mamaev of CSKA Moscow.
Tottenham’s Roman Pavlyuchenko, yet to start a competitive game under Advocaat, will be vying with Kerzhakov and Stuttgart’s Pavel Pogrebnyak for the lone striker role, while Andrey Arshavin and Alan Dzagoev should provide extra firepower from the flanks.
Ireland squad :
Goalkeepers: Shay Given, Keiren Westwood, Joe Murphy
Defenders: John O’Shea, Seamus Coleman, Richard Dunne, Sean St Ledger, Greg Cunningham, Kevin Foley, Paul McShane, Kevin Kilbane
Midfielders : Keith Andrews, Glenn Whelan, Darron Gibson, Paul Green, Liam Lawrence, Aiden McGeady, Andy Keogh, Damien Duff, Keith Fahey
Forwards : Robbie Keane, Kevin Doyle, Shane Long.
Ireland will take on Wales in the opening game of the Carling Nations Cup next year.
The four-team competition, which will be staged in Dublin, will start in February 2011 with NI and Scotland also taking part.
Giovanni Trapattoni's Ireland will open proceedings against the Welsh on Tuesday, 9 February with NI and Scotland clashing a day later.
Trapattoni said: 'The Carling Nations Cup is a tournament that we would very much like to win, particularly playing at home in Dublin.
'The matches will provide us with a good opportunity to see our players in games with a real competitive edge at an important time in our bid to qualify for 2012.'
Scotland boss Craig Levein added: 'Now that the schedule has been announced we are really looking forward to our visit to Dublin next year.
'This exciting new competition brings together four groups of passionate fans and also allows me to test my squad, in a competitive environment, in the middle of our Euro 2012 qualifying campaign.'
Carling Nations Cup fixtures:
8 Feb: Ireland v Wales
9 Feb: NI v Scotland
23 May: Ireland v NI
24 May: Wales v Scotland
26 May: Wales v NI
27 May: Ireland v Scotland
Wolves chairman Steve Morgan has vowed that his team will come good and has tipped Irish international new-boy Stephen Hunt to prove a major hit.
Former Ireland boss Mick McCarthy takes his side to Wigan on Saturday reeling from three successive defeats that have seen them ship five late goals, after leading in two of them.
Laois born Hunt is expected back in contention after the international break and Morgan is expecting big things of the Ireland international.
He said: “Like a lot of Wolves fans, I’m really looking forward to seeing him play.
“I was a huge admirer of his when he was playing for Hull and Reading.
“I’m sure he’ll make a difference for us.”
Hunt has been progressing well from his foot injury and McCarthy hopes he can be available for the visit of West Ham on October 16.
Ireland confirmed their place in the Elite qualifying stages of the European u17 championship with a 2 - 0 win over Albania at the centenary stadium in Malta yesterday afternoon. Two goals in the first ten minutes was enough to see Ireland guarantee a top two finish, with a game to spare in their qualifying group.
Ireland will face Norway in Thursday's concluding qualifier knowing victory will see them finish top of the group and guarantee a first seeding in the elite draw to be made later this year.
Morling kept faith with the same starting team from Saturday and they struck within the first minute. Colm Horgan and Darragh Lenihan combined to free Kenny McEvoy into space on the right wing and his low cross was bundled over the line by the alert Philip Roberts.
That strike, with just 38 seconds gone, provided Ireland with the impetus to seek further goals and they doubled their advantage in similar fashion on ten minutes.
McEvoy worked his magic on the flank by skipping past two defenders and on cue to head home his pinpoint delivery was James Murphy.
Ireland's impressive start should have secured a third goal six minutes later only for the offside flag to be harshly raised when Tommie Hoban nodded a Mikey Drennan cross past goalkeeper Aldo Tedja.
The second half saw Ireland maintain their high tempo with Lenihan and Kealan Dillon close to adding more goals in the opening quarter of an hour. Sam Byrne, an interval replacement for Roberts, sped free of his marker on 74 minutes yet his shot from point blank range was well stopped by Tedja.
Ireland's performance was all the more admirable given the gamesmanship dished out by their opponents.
"We scored early and could have won by more," said Morling afterwards. "The players kept possession well in the second half and saw out the game for a deserved victory.
It was a great effort by the lads in an environment they wouldn't have experienced before."
"We had six players receive bookings but most of these were undeserved. I thought our lads remained calm in the face of much provocation. To qualify with a game left is a marvelous tribute to the players and they certainly were the better team in both games so far."
Ireland:
Coll (Manchester United); Horgan (Salthill Devon), Smith (Newcastle United), Hoban (Watford), Kavanagh (Belvedere); Drennan (Aston Villa), Lenihan (Belvedere), Dillon (Derby County), McEvoy (Tottenham Hotspur); Murphy (Reading), Roberts (Arsenal),
Substiutions: Byrne (St Joseph's Boys) for Roberts (h/t), Garmston (West Brom) for Drennan (70 mins), Sadlier (West Ham United) for Murphy (79 mins).
UEFA Under-17 Championship first phase qualifiers
Saturday September 25
Ireland 3-1 Malta.
Monday September 27
Ireland 2-0 Albania.
Thursday September 30
Ireland v Norway - Centenary Stadium, Ta' Qali (2pm).
