Republic of Ireland -v- Slovakia
Credit: Extratime Team (ETPhotos)
Giovanni Trapattoni's Republic of Ireland welcome Slovakia to the Aviva Stadium tonight with both sides equal on points and locked in a three-way battle with Russia for top of the group. (Kick-off, 7.45pm)
Shane Long had been poised to start up front alongside captain, Robbie Keane, but a calf injury he sustained in training has ruled him out. This allows Wolves striker Kevin Doyle to regain a starting position after recovering from his recent array of injuries and beginning the Premier League season brightly.
The Boys in Green come into this game after back-to-back victories over Macedonia who travel to Russia today. Robbie Keane scored three goals over the course of those two matches and is hoping to continue his international scoring form.
“I think every game is a must win game at this stage, because where we are, it is important that we don't lose any games now. I'm concentrated on (tonight), and focused on getting three points”
“You don't go into any group and think that you want to finish second. Circumstances change that, but we're prepared to win the group, we've been in play-offs way too many times. It hasn't gone our way on a few occasions”. “
Stephen Ward is also in the team at left-back after a very impressive start to the season which yielded a fine goal against Blackburn. He slots in ahead of Kevin Kilbane who failed to prove his fitness and Damien Delaney had been called up as cover.
Ireland and Slovakia sit atop Group B alongside Russia on 13 points and these next two games are crucial in Irelands march towards a first major tournament since the 2002 World Cup.
Shane Long had been poised to start up front alongside captain, Robbie Keane, but a calf injury he sustained in training has ruled him out. This allows Wolves striker Kevin Doyle to regain a starting position after recovering from his recent array of injuries and beginning the Premier League season brightly.
The Boys in Green come into this game after back-to-back victories over Macedonia who travel to Russia today. Robbie Keane scored three goals over the course of those two matches and is hoping to continue his international scoring form.
“I think every game is a must win game at this stage, because where we are, it is important that we don't lose any games now. I'm concentrated on (tonight), and focused on getting three points”
“You don't go into any group and think that you want to finish second. Circumstances change that, but we're prepared to win the group, we've been in play-offs way too many times. It hasn't gone our way on a few occasions”. “
Stephen Ward is also in the team at left-back after a very impressive start to the season which yielded a fine goal against Blackburn. He slots in ahead of Kevin Kilbane who failed to prove his fitness and Damien Delaney had been called up as cover.
Ireland and Slovakia sit atop Group B alongside Russia on 13 points and these next two games are crucial in Irelands march towards a first major tournament since the 2002 World Cup.
