McAteer rides the challenges

Squad Watch: Jason McAteer, having survived an injury scare, is desperate to put a troubled week behind him

Jason McAteer has revealed how he thought one reckless tackle had ended his World Cup dream. Sunderland midfielder McAteer was taken to hospital for a scan on Sunday, the day after he was injured by former Cameroon defender Bilong's irresponsible challenge in the 35th minute of the Republic of Ireland's 2-1 friendly win over Hiroshima.

It was feared he may have suffered ligament damage in his left knee, and the 30-year-old believed his World Cup campaign was in ruins. But fortunately for McAteer and the Republic, the scan revealed nothing more than bruising, and he is now hoping to be fit to win his 48th cap in Saturday's Group E opener against Cameroon.

"I thought that was it, my World Cup was over," said McAteer. "In games like that you don't expect challenges of that magnitude. The knee went very numb, and I thought I had torn my medial ligament.

"I was feeling very down in the hotel, but the lads were brilliant, they came to my room, as did Mick McCarthy, and cheered me up and consoled me.

"The hospital was shut and they managed to open it up on Sunday. I had the scan and that gave me the all clear, just bruising on the knee.

"I am hoping to step up training tomorrow, hopefully zig zagging side to side, working with the ball, and then be back in full training by Thursday or Friday.

"I am not saying the opening game is coming too soon for me, I am giving myself every opportunity to be fit.

"The medical team are working really hard, they've been fantastic and hopefully I will be fit enough to play in the opening game if selected."

McAteer will not risk his knee if he does not feel right, but he is prepared to have an injection if it means him getting through the game.

He added: "This is the biggest thing in the world, isn't it? We have three massive games and I will be doing everything I can.

"Mentally I am very strong at the moment and I hope to be right physically, if it needs an injection to get me through, so be it - I am giving myself every opportunity to make sure I am available for selection."

If he does play, McAteer is likely to come up against Cameroon striker Patrick Mboma, who was on loan at Sunderland at the end of last season.

"He is lively and dangerous," said McAteer. "He got an injury at Sunderland so he didn't really play that much but when he did he seemed very lively and he was a handful in training.

"He is a nice character and a good player who mirrors a lot of their players in terms of physical stature and speed, but there will be no love lost come Saturday - if I have to, I'll kick him.

"I think we've been waiting for this game since we qualified against Iran."

For the whole 22 players it is the greatest tournament in the world and the pinnacle of every player's career.

McAteer is determined the departure of Roy Keane will not overshadow his World Cup.

McAteer added: "After the week we've had we are raring to go. This squad's greatest asset is its camaraderie and its unity. We are great friends and we look after each other. When we don't see each other we all ring each other, there is a great closeness about us, that is what has got us through some big games. When our backs are to the wall that is when we pull out our extra strength - and we're all good footballers as well, let's not forget we've go some world-class players here."