Brian Kerr may well require the services of Carsley at the heart of the Irish midfield, alongside Matt Holland, as Colin Healy could be a major doubt for the make or break game.

Connolly, Cunningham and Breen also recently missed training sessions, but all three are expected to be fine to play at Lansdowne Road.

However, Kerr must face a series of selection decisions with Robbie Keane out, the forward line is quite unsettled. Many fancy Duff to fulfil a role in the forward line, but Kerr is reluctant to play Duff up front, given his natural position is on the left wing.

Clinton Morrison is likely to start, after grabbing a goal against Australia, whilst Connolly’s outstanding club form and Gary Doherty’s physical presence up front also bare consideration.

The Republic of Ireland boss must consider playing Ian Harte, despite being out of the Leeds side and having well documented defensive frailties; Harte’s abilities with set pieces and diagonal balls forward provide some of Ireland’s best attacking moves.

Kerr will need to weigh up the positives and the negatives, possibly with John O`Shea moving into Gary Breen’s position at centre half to accommodate Harte on the left. Steven Carr will start on the right of defence.

If fit, Colin Healy is likely to partner Holland in the centre of the midfield, with Steven Reid on the right and either Damien Duff or Kevin Kilbane on the left.

Russia has a reputation of being poor travellers, but the Irish team will be under no illusion, this will be a stern test of their abilities. Their opposition will be dangerous going forward, and will look to get an early goal to stifle Irish plans.

No doubting that Brian Kerr will do his homework on the Russians though, and pick a strong side for the vital Euro 2004 qualifying game on Saturday, hoping to build on his 7 game unbeaten run as Irish manager.

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