Winning streak has big pay-off

EURO 2004:   A year after their chaotic opening-match defeat in Moscow so spectacularly undermined their status as Group 10 qualification favourites, the Irish players will go into September's return game against Russia knowing another good win will guarantee them at least a place in the Euro 2004 play-offs.

In the wake of the past week's wins over Albania and Georgia, the position of Brian Kerr's side in relation to the Russians has dramatically improved.

Under the rules of the qualifying competition, it would take a three-goal victory against Russia on September 6th to assure the Irish of at least a play-off place. A win would greatly strengthen Kerr's hand ahead of his team's trip to Switzerland for its final qualifying game five weeks later when a draw could be enough to earn the Republic first place in the group and automatic progression to the finals.

Looking further ahead, three more points would copperfasten Ireland's grip on a second seeding for December's World Cup qualifying draw while six points would mean the retention of their top-tier status for the preliminary stages of the 2006 competition

With several of the continent's traditional powers struggling to assert themselves in other groups of this European campaign the Irish could, if they finish second, find themselves facing some very tough opposition in the play-offs with the likes of Spain, Italy, England or Turkey all potentially on course for the knock-out round.

There are, however, more attractive looking prospective opponents with Greece, Norway and Scotland, none of whom looked especially impressive when playing the Irish in recent friendlies, all in with strong chances of finishing as runners up in their respective groups.

While no one in the Irish camp will take anything for granted in relation to the two remaining group matches, certainly not the margin of victory over the Russians, there is clearly basis for renewed optimism after Wednesday's impressive win over Georgia.

The performances of players like Lee Carsley, Gary Doherty and particularly Colin Healy will have pleased Kerr while there were welcome returns to form for Matt Holland and Kevin Kilbane, neither of whom had done much to impress in their recent games for Ireland.

The key contribution, though, almost certainly came from Kerr himself with the new Ireland manager displaying a flexibility in his approach and a willingness to swiftly rethink his position. That was alien to his predecessor.

The new man appeared to misjudge Saturday's team selection and tactical approach but while Mick McCarthy would almost certainly have reacted defiantly to the criticism that followed the game, Kerr took decisive action, changing the shape of the side and making three personnel changes.

The decision to start Healy in the centre of the Irish midfield probably produced the greatest benefits for the home side. The young Corkman contributed energetically and effectively to a greatly improved performance by a midfield four that disrupted any attempt by Georgia to pass the ball out of defence.

It was significant as well, however, that the manager was prepared to jettison David Connolly in favour of Doherty despite the fact the Wimbledon striker had had his best afternoon in an Ireland jersey for several years.

Kerr will go into the summer break knowing qualification is, if the improvement in form can be maintained, within the team's grasp and his hope will be that many of his panel will be in better shape when Russia arrive in Dublin in September.

Damien Duff should be fit after missing out on Wednesday with a knee injury that would not, those close to him said, have prevented him playing even tomorrow. But barring mishaps early next season Steven Reid, Clinton Morrison and Jason McAteer will also be available, adding to Ireland's attacking options for a game in which a big win would pay enormous dividends.

Others may benefit from transfers that should restore their status as first-team regulars or improve the level at which they are playing. Healy is sure to leave Celtic with Everton and Leeds reported to be keen on the young midfielder while Gary Breen said he had held talks with three clubs on the Friday before joining the international squad.

Kevin Kilbane is also reported to be in discussions with Everton, who watched him on Saturday, while Matt Holland has at least one offer of Premiership football, from Portsmouth, to consider with others, now that Ipswich have made clear their willingness to virtually give him away in order to save on his wages, possibly set to join the chase.

Now that Dean Kiely is gone Kerr could do with goalkeepers Nicky Colgan and Joe Murphy playing regularly for their clubs next season. Gary Doherty could do with resolving his position at Spurs where he wants to be a defender but Glenn Hoddle doesn't appear to care much for him wherever he plays. And Mark Kinsella must hope for either first-team football or a move from new Aston Villa boss Dave O'Leary if he is to retain his ability to contribute at international level.

It all adds up to a bit of a wish-list for Kerr who, but for the dramatic revival he has sparked in the team's fortunes, might have been looking forward to the autumn games as an opportunity to begin rebuilding for the next World Cup campaign. So far, though, he's shown quite a knack for getting what he's wanted out of this campaign.