Kranjcar eager for bright start against Irish

TOTTENHAM’S NIKO Kranjcar seemed surprisingly in tune with the views of many Irish fans last night when he suggested Croatia’s August friendly in Dublin was “the most boring game we have played in a long time”.

The 27-year-old put the timidity of the contest down to its timing and players’ fears of picking up an injury that could hit their club seasons. So he deems it totally irrelevant when weighing up the prospects of the group opponents at Euro 2012.

“We know the Irish team,” he said. “We know the strengths they have, the players they have in one of the strongest leagues in the world. They have a great game plan and we know that they will have to be respected . . .

“It’s tough for us too,” he said, “but we think the schedule gives us a chance of qualifying. Playing Ireland first is a big game for both teams, winning would provide a great boost for us before playing Italy.

“Spain for me are the favourites, not just to qualify from the group but also to win the tournament. Hopefully they’ll have won their two games before they play us.”