Post by Taxigirl on Oct 12, 2005 8:34:24 GMT
www.sportinglife.com/football
Republic of Ireland manager Brian Kerr has left the door open for Roy Keane to make an emotional appearance at Lansdowne Road tonight.
It has been known for some time the inspirational Keane would miss the win-or-bust World Cup qualification showdown with Switzerland after breaking a bone in his left foot last month.
But there is every chance Keane could still be in the dressing room ahead of kick-off, with his presence alone potentially providing a crucial lift to his team-mates.
At various stages in this campaign the Manchester United midfielder has been on hand to offer rousing words when the players have either been at a low ebb or in need of a kick up the backside.
It is unlikely any Churchillian speeches will be required before a game Ireland simply have to win to clinch a play-off place, with Kerr's squad fully aware of what is at stake.
But the opportunity is there for Keane to be seen, with Kerr confirming: "I spoke to Roy yesterday. He just rang me up and we had a chat.
"It was a general conversation about how he was coming on himself and how he saw the game against Cyprus on Saturday.
"I didn't go into any detail with him over whether he would be fit for any play-off games. It's a bit early yet to be discussing that.
"But I've left it up to him as to whether he comes to the game tonight or not."
Kerr was a far more relaxed figure yesterday, in contrast to the tenseness he displayed on Friday ahead of his side's abysmal performance against Cyprus in Nicosia the following day, scraping a 1-0 win to keep their World Cup hopes alive.
There is now no room for error against a Swiss side who have not lost for 12 matches, and who are unbeaten in their last three meetings with Ireland, winning two and drawing one.
Kerr is adamant he will be positive, adding: "There's no need for us to try and go out and win the game in the first 10 to 15 minutes.
"But for every game in this group we've approached it by saying 'let's go and win it, let's have a go'.
Kerr has vowed to make changes, which should see Clinton Morrison and Andy Reid return from suspension, and a possible recall for Ian Harte at left-back following John O'Shea's poor performance against the Cypriots.
Goalkeeper Shay Given has recovered from a foot injury sustained in training on Monday, while Kerr yesterday confirmed Richard Dunne will start providing he shakes off thigh and shin injuries sustained in yesterday's training session.
One thing is clear, and that is Kerr is calling on Robbie Keane to find the net, as Ireland's all-time leading scorer has just one goal to his credit in his last six matches for his country.
Kerr still has faith in Tottenham striker Keane as he said: "If he plays I'm confident he will be in very good form.
"He has the desire and ability, as we saw late in the game against Cyprus, to get into the positions that can hurt a team, and he's certainly better for that match.
"He has scored goals this season, as he's shown in coming on as a sub for THFC, and now we could do with a vital goal or two from him.
"But I've no doubt whoever gets the nod to play tonight will do their stuff."
Republic of Ireland manager Brian Kerr has left the door open for Roy Keane to make an emotional appearance at Lansdowne Road tonight.
It has been known for some time the inspirational Keane would miss the win-or-bust World Cup qualification showdown with Switzerland after breaking a bone in his left foot last month.
But there is every chance Keane could still be in the dressing room ahead of kick-off, with his presence alone potentially providing a crucial lift to his team-mates.
At various stages in this campaign the Manchester United midfielder has been on hand to offer rousing words when the players have either been at a low ebb or in need of a kick up the backside.
It is unlikely any Churchillian speeches will be required before a game Ireland simply have to win to clinch a play-off place, with Kerr's squad fully aware of what is at stake.
But the opportunity is there for Keane to be seen, with Kerr confirming: "I spoke to Roy yesterday. He just rang me up and we had a chat.
"It was a general conversation about how he was coming on himself and how he saw the game against Cyprus on Saturday.
"I didn't go into any detail with him over whether he would be fit for any play-off games. It's a bit early yet to be discussing that.
"But I've left it up to him as to whether he comes to the game tonight or not."
Kerr was a far more relaxed figure yesterday, in contrast to the tenseness he displayed on Friday ahead of his side's abysmal performance against Cyprus in Nicosia the following day, scraping a 1-0 win to keep their World Cup hopes alive.
There is now no room for error against a Swiss side who have not lost for 12 matches, and who are unbeaten in their last three meetings with Ireland, winning two and drawing one.
Kerr is adamant he will be positive, adding: "There's no need for us to try and go out and win the game in the first 10 to 15 minutes.
"But for every game in this group we've approached it by saying 'let's go and win it, let's have a go'.
Kerr has vowed to make changes, which should see Clinton Morrison and Andy Reid return from suspension, and a possible recall for Ian Harte at left-back following John O'Shea's poor performance against the Cypriots.
Goalkeeper Shay Given has recovered from a foot injury sustained in training on Monday, while Kerr yesterday confirmed Richard Dunne will start providing he shakes off thigh and shin injuries sustained in yesterday's training session.
One thing is clear, and that is Kerr is calling on Robbie Keane to find the net, as Ireland's all-time leading scorer has just one goal to his credit in his last six matches for his country.
Kerr still has faith in Tottenham striker Keane as he said: "If he plays I'm confident he will be in very good form.
"He has the desire and ability, as we saw late in the game against Cyprus, to get into the positions that can hurt a team, and he's certainly better for that match.
"He has scored goals this season, as he's shown in coming on as a sub for THFC, and now we could do with a vital goal or two from him.
"But I've no doubt whoever gets the nod to play tonight will do their stuff."