Midfielder Andy Reid must pass a morning fitness test if he is to have any chance of playing tomorrow's revenge match against Cyprus at Croke Park. The Charlton captain once again sat out training owing to an inflamed ankle but will be put through his paces in the gym later this evening.

Staunton is presiding over various "knocks and niggles" but John O'Shea (dead leg) and Darren Potter (groin) would appear recuperated having missed the Germany game. Kevin Doyle is still nursing the foot problem that enforced his substitution on Saturday and he now has a cut to the head to contend with. Staunton, though, is confident the striker will be available for selection.

Reid sat out most of training last week but was still at his creative best on Saturday when called-upon and, indeed, proved the game's stand-out player. It's not surprising then that Staunton will afford the Dubliner every opportunity to prove his fitness having aggravated the injury during the game.

"We'll just be giving him as much time as he needs," said Staunton of a player whom he expects more goals from. "He's had the problem before the last game and he feels confident but we'll have to wait and see tomorrow. He'll have a fitness test in the morning and hopefully he comes through that okay.

"He will do a bit on the bike when we go back to the gym. There's no point trying to force something or get another knock on it. That would only inflame it and that would definitely rule him out. He has to be positive with what he does tomorrow and as long as he's positive we'll go from there."

Should Reid be ruled out, Staunton has options although some squad members are so versatile it's difficult to know who will play where.

Potter, who drew special praise today from the manager, could yet slot into midfield in place of the suspended Lee Carsley.  O'Shea, too, trained well and could dislodge the inexperienced Joey O'Brien at centre half although that would be harsh on the young Bolton defender who, after a nervy start, grew into the role against Germany.

O'Shea could also be pushed into midfield, although with Stephen Hunt returning from suspension winger Kevin Kilbane could be tucked inside. Despite adding Liam Miller as cover, Staunton clearly ranks others higher in the pecking order and both Andy Keogh and Aiden McGeady will battle for the right side.

"I'm considering a lot of things, we have a lot of options," said Staunton when pressed. "We have a lot of players who can play in different positions. We have good options. . . we're going out to win the game. I try and pick a team to win every game for us whether its home or away and I'll do no different tomorrow."

Staunton refused to dwell on the night in Nicosia a year ago although he did refer to it as a "nightmare". Since then, he notes, Ireland have lost just once in 11 games. That may be true, but performances were often sub par and the team let the occasional result slip from their grasp. The result tomorrow night, he says, is more important than the performance but he warns that Cyprus are an improving team.

"It's 12 months ago but that was a nightmare. But it's gone. History. End of story. The only game I'm analysing is the Cyprus game against Wales (a game Cyprus won 3-1 at the weekend). I think everyone forgets that Cyprus are a decent side. They've drawn at home with the Germans, could have beaten them. They should have got something in the Czech Republic. We know we're in for a tough game but we need to keep the standard we're at. As long as we do that we'll be fine.

"Once we get in their faces, which we will do, and play our football, then I have no worries. The result I can't determine but one thing is the players will be up for it."