Soccer:Giovanni Trapattoni has confirmed there will be no changes to his side for the visit of Andorra to Dublin tomorrow, as he looks to build on the winning start made to the Euro 2012 qualifying campaign in Armenia.
The manager has kept faith with central midfielder Paul Green and resisted calls to install the more attack-minded Darron Gibson of Manchester United. It also means, Keith Fahey, goalscorer in Yerevan, is back on the bench after the replaced Aiden McGeady in the second half on Friday afternoon.
Trapattoni has also declined the opportunity to try out either Manchester City’s Greg Cunningham or Fulham’s Stephen Kelly at left-back against the Group B minnows, instead opting to retain veteran Kevin Kilbane in defence.
Speaking to the press today, the manager admitted he considered changes but was happy enough to trust the same XI once it was clear they had each emerged unscathed from last week’s game.
“I looked at the possibility of changing a couple of players for this match,” he said, “but first I wanted to se if the players who had played against Armenia had fully recovered because they had played well. I’m satisfied now that they have so we can start with the same team and give others the chance to come in later in the game.”
The Italian has spoken privately to Green’s midfield partner Glenn Whelan and warned him to avoid a second booking that would prevent him from facing Russia at the Aviva Stadium next month.
When reminded of Andorra’s last visit to Dublin, in which they actually took the lead before Ireland won the World Cup 2002 qualifier 3-1, captain Robbie Keane stressed the importance of avoiding such a scenario.
“Yeah, it’s important not to concede against a so called lesser side, because they just get everybody behind the ball then,” he said. “It’s important that we try to get an early goal ourselves. That can sort of open things up for you.”
The Spurs striker, however, cautioned against unrealistic expectations and reiterated his manager’s mantra that the result is all important.
“The most important thing is that we win the game, we always go into these games hoping to score goals and the fans want you to, but the win is the first priority. Although, a few goals would be a boost to confidence and set us up well for the Russia game and rest campaign."
Defender Darren O'Dea has returned to Ipswich Town having failed to recover from a knee injury in time to be considered for selection. He joins Damien Duff, Keith Andrews and Keith Treacy on the sidelines, though Paul McShane is available to Trapattoni after recovering from a hamstring problem.
Ireland are second behind Russia in Group B after both opened with wins but the favourites put two past Andorra in the principality. Slovakia are level with Ireland after a 1-0 win over Macedonia in Bratislava. Russia host Slovakia tomorrow, while Armenia travel to Macedonia.
Rep of Ireland:Given; O'Shea, St Ledger, Dunne, Kilbane; Lawrence, Whelan, Green, McGeady; Keane, Doyle.
Andorra:To be confirmed