Brian Kerr's preparation and tactical guile will come to the fore again as he strives to earn the point his Republic of Ireland under-16s need against Spain at Stirling tonight to progress to the quarter-finals of the UEFA youths championship.

The Spaniards, holders and winners of this competition four times since its inception, are being tipped to reach the final by Scotland team manager, Ross Mathie, who's side recovered to retrieve a point in a 1-1 draw with the talented Spaniards on Tuesday night.

"The Spanish are a brilliant team and some of the stuff they produced, particularly in the first-half, was a joy to watch," said Mathie.

While taking those comments on board, Kerr will rely on detailed reports from his technical advisor, St Francis manager Pete Mahon, who has watched Spain in both their games.

"Pete has told me that they were superb once again against Scotland," said Kerr. "By all accounts, they played some wonderful stuff, particularly in the first half. They also played it straight, not resorting to the type of gamesmanship you might expect from them some times, and played some very good football."

Kerr will change tactics once again, reverting to the 4-3-3 formation he used in the opening game against Scotland.

"We had to go for four up front against the Finns, but we don't need the urgency tonight of having to go for it and leave ourselves open. It's also crucial we tighten up in the middle and not let them come through us with their usual short passing game. We mustn't leave ourselves open in there."

Graham Barrett, who put five months of injury worries to the back of his mind to score a tremendous second goal on Tuesday night, should retain his place, but play in a three man midfield with David McMahon the lone striker flanked by Brendan McGill and Andrew Reid.

"I've been delighted with the way we've played. All the players have been magnificent," said Kerr. "It's strange to think we've only scored two goals considering how well we've played and the chances we created in both games so far."

Probable team: Murphy (Tranmere Rovers); Thompson (Home Farm), Goodwin (Celtic), O'Shea (Waterford Bohemians), Foy (Nottingham Forest); Barrett (Arsenal), Miller (Celtic), S. Byrne (West Ham); McGill (Rivervalley Rangers), McMahon (Newcastle United), Reid (Nottingham Firest).

Group C

Rep of Ireland - 21 102 04

Spain - 21 102 14

Scotland - 20 201 12

Finland - 20 000 30