RARELY HAVE TWO consecutive qualifiers been so pivotal to the Ireland’s hopes of reaching a major tournament.
Giovanni Trapattoni’s squad will be looking to maintain their recent run of form – an undefeated streak of five matches – when they take on Slovakia at home tonight before travelling to Russia.
The individual performances of the following players will prove pivotal to Ireland’s hopes of reaching Poland and the Ukraine next summer.
Aiden McGeady
The Spartak Moscow winger has just returned from injury but has looked sharp in training with his international teammates this week.
McGeady will require little motivation when Ireland visit Russia next week but his ability to get to the byline and provide decent crosses for Kevin Doyle and Robbie Keane is fundamental to Ireland’s hopes of unlocking a tough Slovakian back four.
One goal in 40 international appearances is a paltry return for such a talented midfielder so the upcoming qualifiers would represent a perfect time for McGeady to add to his international goals tally.
Robbie Keane
From the bright lights of Los Angeles to the dull and dreary weather of the Aviva Stadium.
Keane scored on his debut for his new club and while his commitment to his country remains steadfast concerns over the long distance travel to make Irish internationals will surface should the Tallaght native look even slightly off the pace on Friday night.
The best way to silence any doubters will be doing what Keane does best; hammer the ball into the opponent’s net.
Shay Given
The Irish international goalkeeper’s move to Villa Park during the close season was good news for Giovanni Trapattoni and the player himself. Given has looked assured between the sticks for his new club, conceding a single goal and helping Alex McLeish’s side make an unbeaten start to the new Premier League campaign.
Concerns over the reoccurrence of a niggling back injury surfaced again at the beginning of the week but should not impair Ireland’s number one from training this week.
Clean sheets are essential if Ireland is to defeat Slovakia and ‘get a result’ away to Russia so Shay Given will need to be 100% fit and focused for the crucial upcoming double-header.
We’ll liveblog the action from the Aviva Stadium press-box tonight. Join us from 7pm.
- Follow Ger McCarthy on Twitter: www.twitter.com/offcentrecircle
