Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy will name his captain for the Euro 2004 qualifier against Russia on Saturday, a spokesperson for the FAI confirmed today.
Several names have been thrown into the hat for the skipper's role, including Jason McAteer who captained Ireland in their last friendly when they defeated Finland. However, it is believed McAteer was given the captain's armband then as a one-off to celebrate his 50th cap.
Other front runners include, Gary Breen, Kenny Cunningham and Matt Holland ahead of the announcement at a 1 p.m. press conference. Whoever McCarthy selects, he warned his side not to be complacent against the Russians who will be keen to impress in front of home crowds at the Locomotiv Stadium.
"I know we have been seeded top in Group Ten but we cannot take anything for granted. We are not playing a team who missed out on qualification for World Cup finals. They will want to impress in front of their home supporters," warned McCarthy.
McCarthy had several injury concerns when Newcastle `keeper Shay Given sat out training yesterday with a back problem, as did Sunderland's new signing Phil Babb after receiving a knock to the knee in their 1-1 draw with Man United. But both should be fit for Saturday.