Big Match Preview: Republic of Ireland v Russia
By Ade O`Connor September 5 2003
Ireland go into tomorrow’s game against Russia knowing that a victory would put them in good shape to qualify for Euro 2004, but a loss would leave them relying on results elsewhere. This is without question the most important game of Brian Kerr’s short career as Irish manager.
By Ade O`Connor September 5 2003
Ireland go into tomorrow’s game against Russia knowing that a victory would put them in good shape to qualify for Euro 2004, but a loss would leave them relying on results elsewhere. This is without question the most important game of Brian Kerr’s short career as Irish manager.
With news that Shay Given will be fit for the game at Lansdowne Road, after trouble with his knee was not a factor in Friday’s training session, Kerr will now turn his attention to other areas.
Robbie Keane is the most major player to be unavailable, after suffering an ankle injury when playing for the Republic against Australia. However, Keane should be able to make his return in time for the Swiss game.
Though the Swiss game could be fairly insignificant should Ireland falter at this pivotal stage of Group 10.
In an ideal world, Ireland would beat Russia this Saturday, and then a draw occurring between Russia and Switzerland, leaving Ireland plenty of opportunity to reach the later stages of the group.
But the Irish cannot feel hard done by, Russia have slipped up against Albania and Georgia, allowing the Republic well back into the fold. Meanwhile, Kerr’s team took 10 of 12 points off the other two teams in the group.
Rumour has it that Russia do not travel very well, and after losing to Israel 2-1, the president of their football federation described the team as a ‘shambles. I for one seriously hope he is right.
That is not strictly true, Russia must be taken seriously, and with Brian Kerr’s organisation – this surely will be no problem. The Irish team will face no surprises, even with Russia’s potent attacking force.
Kerr has some attacking decisions to make of his own. With the only solid placed striker, Robbie Keane, out of contention – he must preside over two strikers to play up front.
Many believe that Damien Duff, the Chelsea new boy, will move into the forward line, however Kerr may be reluctant to move Duff from his favoured left wing role.
Expect Gary Doherty to start the game up front as Ireland’s target man. It would be a real shame to waste his heading prowess, by not having a strong crosser of the ball on both flanks with Steven Reid and Damien Duff.
Clinton Morrison must be in Kerr’s plans also, after grabbing an undeserved winner against Australia, and generally being in free-scoring mood for Ireland most times he has featured.
The smart money will be on the Irish boss selecting Doherty and Duff as his front pairing, but as opinionated as I am, I’d like to see Doherty and Morrison given a go; unless David Connolly slips into the plans of Kerr.
Elsewhere on the field, Kilbane will take Duff’s place on the right should he be needed up front, and Colin Healy is likely to partner Matt Holland in the engine room of the green midfield.
Ian Harte may get another chance at left back, more for his attacking skills than defensive skills however, with the colossal John O`Shea slipping into Gary Breen’s centre back role alongside captain Kenny Cunningham.
Steven Carr has been impressive on the right side of defence, and will no doubt be linking up with Steven Reid who should be playing in the midfield in front of Carr.
Certainly, Ireland looks strong on paper, but a performance anything like most of the Australia game will lead to disaster. There is the ‘luck of the Irish’ and ‘taking the mick’, Ireland really used up any luck in their locker the other week.
This match is followed by the Turkey friendly in midweek, under 21 manager Don Givens hinted that some of his men would be making a step up to senior level shortly.
“We have some fantastic players who will be pushing for the senior squad.”
”There are players who I would think are on the fringes of it.“
”Graham Barrett and Tommy Butler have already played and I would imagine that John Thompson, Liam Miller and Andy Reid are all being looked at.”
Should the current set of seniors do well enough, these talented young lads may have a shot at showing their skills to the rest of Europe in the summer.
Robbie Keane is the most major player to be unavailable, after suffering an ankle injury when playing for the Republic against Australia. However, Keane should be able to make his return in time for the Swiss game.
Though the Swiss game could be fairly insignificant should Ireland falter at this pivotal stage of Group 10.
In an ideal world, Ireland would beat Russia this Saturday, and then a draw occurring between Russia and Switzerland, leaving Ireland plenty of opportunity to reach the later stages of the group.
But the Irish cannot feel hard done by, Russia have slipped up against Albania and Georgia, allowing the Republic well back into the fold. Meanwhile, Kerr’s team took 10 of 12 points off the other two teams in the group.
Rumour has it that Russia do not travel very well, and after losing to Israel 2-1, the president of their football federation described the team as a ‘shambles. I for one seriously hope he is right.
That is not strictly true, Russia must be taken seriously, and with Brian Kerr’s organisation – this surely will be no problem. The Irish team will face no surprises, even with Russia’s potent attacking force.
Kerr has some attacking decisions to make of his own. With the only solid placed striker, Robbie Keane, out of contention – he must preside over two strikers to play up front.
Many believe that Damien Duff, the Chelsea new boy, will move into the forward line, however Kerr may be reluctant to move Duff from his favoured left wing role.
Expect Gary Doherty to start the game up front as Ireland’s target man. It would be a real shame to waste his heading prowess, by not having a strong crosser of the ball on both flanks with Steven Reid and Damien Duff.
Clinton Morrison must be in Kerr’s plans also, after grabbing an undeserved winner against Australia, and generally being in free-scoring mood for Ireland most times he has featured.
The smart money will be on the Irish boss selecting Doherty and Duff as his front pairing, but as opinionated as I am, I’d like to see Doherty and Morrison given a go; unless David Connolly slips into the plans of Kerr.
Elsewhere on the field, Kilbane will take Duff’s place on the right should he be needed up front, and Colin Healy is likely to partner Matt Holland in the engine room of the green midfield.
Ian Harte may get another chance at left back, more for his attacking skills than defensive skills however, with the colossal John O`Shea slipping into Gary Breen’s centre back role alongside captain Kenny Cunningham.
Steven Carr has been impressive on the right side of defence, and will no doubt be linking up with Steven Reid who should be playing in the midfield in front of Carr.
Certainly, Ireland looks strong on paper, but a performance anything like most of the Australia game will lead to disaster. There is the ‘luck of the Irish’ and ‘taking the mick’, Ireland really used up any luck in their locker the other week.
This match is followed by the Turkey friendly in midweek, under 21 manager Don Givens hinted that some of his men would be making a step up to senior level shortly.
“We have some fantastic players who will be pushing for the senior squad.”
”There are players who I would think are on the fringes of it.“
”Graham Barrett and Tommy Butler have already played and I would imagine that John Thompson, Liam Miller and Andy Reid are all being looked at.”
Should the current set of seniors do well enough, these talented young lads may have a shot at showing their skills to the rest of Europe in the summer.
Bookmark or share this story with:
Digg
Delicious
Facebook
Reddit
StumbleuponSPORTNETWORK SPECIALS
More Ireland FC headlines
Ireland FC latest threads
Ireland FC Poll
