Kerr promises changes and waits on Duff news

Republic of Ireland boss Brian Kerr has promised to make changes for tonight's crunch Euro 2004 qualifier against Georgia at …

Republic of Ireland boss Brian Kerr has promised to make changes for tonight's crunch Euro 2004 qualifier against Georgia at Lansdowne Road tonight.

Kerr will also make a late decision on the fitness of Damian Duff, as Ireland's influential play-maker battles to shake off a knee injury.

Captain Kenny Cunningham has stressed the importance of beating Georgia tonight and finishing the country's latest international week on a high.

When Ireland suffered successive defeats at the beginning of the Euro 2004 qualifying campaign by losing 2-1 at home to Group 10 rivals Switzerland, they had to wait nearly six months for the chance to put things right - which they did by winning their next competitive match 2-1 in Georgia.

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"Psychologically, to win the game just before going into a summer break with the next qualifier three months away, it is important," said the Birmingham defender.

"There was a lot of frustration after the first two games knowing there was a long gap before we could put things right.

Meanwhile, the Georgians will show at least five changes to the team which started against the Irish in Tbilisi in April.

Skipper Georgi Nemsadze of Dundee United and wingers Levan Tskitishvili and Levan Kobiashvili are ruled out through injury, Aleksandr Iashvili is suspended and former Newcastle star Temur Ketsbaia has retired. There is also a doubt over the fitness of Otar Khizanishvili.

Irish fans will recognise at least three Georgian players. Defender Kakha Kaladze played in the recent Champions League final for AC Milan, striker Shota Arveladze is at Rangers and Giorgi Kinkladze still shines in the Derby midfield.