Soccer:Sunderland defender John O'Shea is expected to be fit for the Republic of Ireland's penultimate Euro 2012 qualifier in Andorra on Friday after training with the squad at Malahide on Tuesday morning.
The 30-year-old, who reported for duty carrying a knock, played a full part in this morning’s session at Gannon Park and the prognosis from management was positive afterwards.
“O’Shea played in the training without any problem,” said Trapattoni’s assistant Marco Tardelli.
With Richard Dunne suspended, the fitness of the experienced O'Shea was a concern, although Trapattoni could opt to leave him at right back and pair Seán St Ledger - who is available after being banned for last month’s 0-0 draw in Russia - with Darren O’Dea in the middle.
Today, the latter option was utilised in training, though Tardelli insisted: “I don’t think anything was decided today. O’Shea can play there too and we have two days to decide.”
A question mark still remains over the fitness of striker Jon Walters, whose ankle problem continues to be assessed back at Stoke, but goalkeeper Shay Given is expected to be available, despite nursing a wrist injury.
Ireland need maximum points from Friday’s game and the visit of Armenia a week today to guarantee at least a play-off place from Group B. If Russia lose in Slovakia on Friday, six points will secure top spot.
Asked whether the squad was confident of ending the group with two wins, Given said: “Well I sometimes think we get criticised whatever we do but I think we did okay against Slovakia and it was a good result against Russia so obviously we want to go on now and take all six points.
“There’s pressure, but there’s pressure on Slovakia and the others now too. It’s important that we concentrate on what we have to do and it’s good to know that the fans are behind us. They’ll be two tough games but we’re hopeful that we can do it.”
Given, however, says second place and a play-off spot would still be an achievement.
“We’d take it as well because it was a tough group that we were drawn in. We’ve got the game on Friday to get through first, then Tuesday but if it is to be a play-off then the important thing is that this time we see it through unlike the games (World Cup 2010 play-offs) against France.”
