Keane trains as Ireland arrive in Basel

The Republic of Ireland squad touched down safely in Switzerland this afternoon ahead of Saturday's crunch Euro 2004 qualifier…

The Republic of Ireland squad touched down safely in Switzerland this afternoon ahead of Saturday's crunch Euro 2004 qualifier.

Brian Kerr, who spent the day in bed yesterday suffering from flu, conducted a training session in Basel with Robbie Keane participating fully.

The Spurs striker sat out training yesterday with a slight knock to the back of his knee, an injury that isn't expected to pose any problems for the 23-year-old.

Keane has been in sparkling form for Spurs since returning from the injury which forced him to miss last month's qualifier against Russia, and he will be aiming to finish the campaign on a high.

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Kerr appears to have three key decisions to make when selecting his team with three points a priority to keep hopes of qualifying for Portugal alive. Manchester United's John O'Shea is likely to partner Gary Breen in the heart of the defence in the absence of suspended skipper Kenny Cunningham.

In midfield Cardiff's Graham Kavanagh could win a surprise call alongside Matt Holland, while Damien Duff is likely to be employed wide on the right with West Ham's David Connolly employed up-front alongside Keane.

The Ireland manager will hold take training in the St Jakob Stadion tomorrow and is not expected to announce his starting line-up until shortly before kick-off on Saturday afternoon.

Meanwhile, Switzerland defenders Stephane Henchoz and Murat Yakin have put a feud behind them, coach Koebi Kuhn said today.

The central defensive partners were heavily criticised after disagreements during the 4-1 defeat by Russia last month with media calling for the duo to be dropped for Ireland's visit.

Liverpool defender Henchoz and FC Basel's Yakin held clear-the-air talks yesterday when Kuhn's squad met up and have put past differences behind them.

"If you can't prevent a problem from happening in the first place, then it's just as well to make sure it's addressed properly," said Kuhn. "There can be a danger in letting these things fester, so instead we've all spoken very directly and cleared up the matter. I think the team has actually come out all the stronger from this so-called low."