Finnan happy to travel to Iran

Republic of Ireland right-back Steve Finnan today said that he would be happy to go to Iran for the World Cup qualifying showdown…

Republic of Ireland right-back Steve Finnan today said that he would be happy to go to Iran for the World Cup qualifying showdown a fortnight today and didn't foresee any problems as regards players not wanting to travel.

The proximity of Iranian capital Tehran to the war zone in Afghanistan has prompted security fears for Ireland.

Two weeks ago Chelsea allowed six of their key players to miss their UEFA Cup second-round first-leg defeat against Hapoel Tel Aviv after they opted not travel. But Finnan revealed the Republic players will make a group decision about the second-leg trip.

"It was the Chelsea players' decision, and they were given their chance to go or not," said 25-year-old Finnan.

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"I can understand that they've got families, and it was down to the players' opinion.

"They were given that chance, but I'm sure that won't happen with Ireland. It's 'we all go or none go' -but it doesn't seem that there'll be a problem at all.

"Mick McCarthy's been out there and said he was treated fine and everything was okay. I'm sure all the players will trust him.

"We meet up on Sunday or Monday for the first game, at home next Saturday. We'll talk about it more when we meet up next week, but I'm sure there's not a problem for me or any other player to go."

"As the situation stands I'll be happy to go," he added.

"There might be a situation that comes up with the away game, because it's still a couple of weeks until we go."

Meanwhile Sunderland boss Peter Reid has no qualms about allowing his Irish internationals to jet off to Iran.

"It's an unstable world. But you've just got to get on with life and football, and certainly I've got every confidence in the Irish FA and Mick McCarthy," said Reid.

"I don't think there'll be a problem."

PA