Ireland V Georgia Preview

• Alan Smith
• Wed, Feb 11 2009


Ireland continue their quest in qualifying for the 2010 World Cup with a tie against a weakened Georgia at Croke Park tonight.

Giovanni Trapattoni, who made it clear to the media last night that his priority is to get all 3 points rather than put in a good performance, will wait until the last minute before deciding whether Paul McShane will start at right-back, although Stoke City’s Stephen Kelly is on standby to take his place.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding McShane, the rest of defence looks settled; John O’Shea has played a sizeable part in Manchester United’s defensive record, while Kevin Kilbane and Richard Dunne should be as solid as ever in the green shirt.

In the middle of the field Keith Andrews will start instead of Darron Gibson. Other than that its business as usual as McGeady and Duff will look to impress on the wings.

Up front Robbie Keane, after his disastorous spell at Liverpool will be looking to turn over a new leaf and this could be the night where his luck changes. Kevin Doyle, who has scored 17 goals in the Championship thus far, will undoubtably hope to continue his good form tonight.

The Georgian’s come to Dublin with just two points from their four games and are also heavily hit by injuries. Hector Cuper will be without the experienced defensive duo of Lasha Saluqvadze and Giorgi Shashiashvili, as well as Levan Kenia. The Schalke midfielder scored the Georgian’s goal in the reverse fixture back in September and will be sorely missed.

With this being the only game in Group 8 tonight, a win for the Irish would put them level with current World Cup holders Italy. Kick off at Croker is at 7.45pm.

IRELAND (probable): Given ; McShane, Dunne, O’Shea, Kilbane; Duff, Whelan, Andrews, McGeady; Keane, Doyle.

GEORGIA (probable): Lomaia; Lobjanidze, Kaladze, Khishinishvili, Kvakhadze; Menteshashvili, Kobiashvili, Razmadze, Odikadze; Gotsiridze, Iashvili.

Referee: Jouni Hyytia (Finland).