McCarthy delays naming team for Russia game

Mick McCarthy will delay naming his starting line-up for tomorrow night's friendly against Russia until near the kick-off.

Mick McCarthy will delay naming his starting line-up for tomorrow night's friendly against Russia until near the kick-off.

The Republic of Ireland manager did, however, indicate today that most of the 23 fit players can expect to see some action.

"I don't want to have a situation where all the new lads are on the pitch at the same time - because that's not very useful," said McCarthy.

"So what I'm going to do is mix and match with the young guys and the more experienced ones."

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Of the new guys it seems Millwall's Richard Sadlier is pushing hardest to be in the starting eleven.

"'Sad' has every chance of starting. I have been even more impressed with him after watching him train with us this week than I have by his performances with Millwall this season," commented McCarthy.

"He's strong and there is no question he is a natural goalscorer."

McCarthy again insisted that he already knows "in the main" which 23 players will travel to Japan and suggested that any player he looks at between now and then will primarily be competing for a back-up position.

"I think we all know who the players are that have nothing left to prove to me and will definitely be on the plane to Japan.

"The only thing I don't know is what's going to happen between now and May 17th, when we leave, so what I want to find out is what are my options if circumstances change - who can I hang my hat on."