Given fit to face Slovakia

Goalkeeper Shay Given will take his place in the Republic of Ireland record books on Wednesday after he was passed fit to face Slovakia in the Euro 2008 Qualifier at Croke Park.

The Newcastle star did not train today after sustaining a knee injury in a collision with Craig Bellamy during Saturday's 1-0 Euro 2008 qualifying victory over Wales at GAA Headquarters.

But Given will be fit for the home clash with Slovakia, and will lead out the side as captain Robbie Keane serves a one-match ban for collecting his second booking of the campaign against Wales.

It will be Given's 80th appearance, equalling the record for a Republic of Ireland goalkeeper set by Packie Bonner during his time as number one between 1981-1994.

Manager Steve Staunton should also have goalscoring hero Stephen Ireland to take on the Slovaks in another 'must-win' Group D tie at their new Croke Park home.

Ireland sustained an upper thigh injury against Wales that led to his 59th-minute withdrawal - 20 minutes after he scored the winner which gave his side a third successive victory.

The Manchester City midfielder came through a rigorous training session at Malahide United's Gannon Park, and now it is a case of waiting to see if there is any reaction to the problem.

Confirming the details, Staunton gave new meaning to the phrase 'pitchside briefing' as his short address to the assembled media lasted just 32 seconds.

"Shay Given didn't train. He is a wee bit sore, but no problems for the game on Wednesday night," stated Staunton without prompting. "Stevie Ireland trained, so we'll wait and see in the next couple of hours if there is any reaction.

"Hopefully not. He trained well. We're delighted, but as I say we won't know until we get back to the hotel. And you'd probably love me to go into the strategy for the game on Wednesday night, but you can understand why I can't do that now. Thanks."

And with that Staunton turned on his heels and departed without taking a single question, underlining the fractious relationship he is currently enduring with the press.

It was all in stark contrast to yesterday when he gave six minutes of his time following a short training session at Malahide, mainly for those who did not play, or who briefly played, against Wales.

But the final sentence of Staunton's comments today gives the game away as he has been heavily criticised for his tactics and strategy - or apparent lack of - used against the Welsh.

Post-match comments from Lee Carsley that Staunton did not inform the players of their roles ahead of the game have not helped.

While Staunton claims Carsley was "misquoted", the Everton man also insisted he "misinterpreted" the question.

Fellow midfielder Ireland voiced his own concerns at playing in an unaccustomed role on the right wing, however, he now maintains he is "happy to play anywhere" for his country.

The bottom line is while the team's performances under Staunton have primarily lacked style and substance but in taking 10 points from their last four matches they have given themselves a chance of reaching the finals.

A fourth successive qualifying group win on Wednesday against a team ranked 14 places above them at 37 will see them match a little bit of history. On the three previous occasions the Republic have achieved such a feat they went on to reach the 1990, 1994 and 2002 World Cup finals.