McGeady remains in contention

Italy v Republic of Ireland: The odds on Aiden McGeady taking to the field when the Republic of Ireland meet Italy in Bari on Wednesday night shortened today, after the winger came through a light training session unscathed. The Celtic player injured his knee in the 1-1 draw with Bulgaria on Saturday but the fact it was a knock, rather than a twist, is cause for optimism within the camp.

McGeady’s session at Gannon Park in Malahide was a solo one, while goalkeeper Shay Given, defender Richard Dunne and captain Robbie Keane were rested as a precaution but are expected to be available at the San Nicola Stadium.

Referring to McGeady this afternoon, assistant manager Liam Brady, sounded a positive note. “He’s just been staying out of training so far, although we will need to see him train tomorrow for Giovanni to make a final decision but my feeling is that he’ll be okay.”

Saturday’s underwhelming draw underlined the need to avoid defeat in Bari if Ireland are to keep pace with Italy at the top of the table.

Marcello Lippi’s side enjoyed a comfortable 2-0 win in Montengro and now hold a two point advantage over Ireland. Another win on Wednesday would send them five points clear and leave their destiny very much in their own hands.

Brady, however, remains confident something can be garnered against the reigning world champions.

“It’s my belief that there’s nobody way ahead of anybody else in Europe,” said the Dubliner. “If you look at the Italians, although they’re strong and have a great deal of depth to the amount of players they can pick, I don’t think they’re way ahead of anyone else, so I think we have a great chance of going to Bari and getting a result to keep the momentum going in the group.”

Nonetheless, had Ireland managed a fourth victory in five qualifiers at Croke Park at the weekend, they would have headed for Bari knowing even a defeat would not be disastrous.

A it stands, they are now very much aware that, even though they still enjoy a seven-point advantage over Bulgaria and Cyprus, who each have a game in hand, they could do with a point in either Italy or Sofia in June if they are to finish second in the group and secure a play-off berth.