Miller proves fitness

Injury update:  Liam Miller came through a full training session this morning as the Republic of Ireland squad continued their preparations in Limassol ahead of tomorrow's European qualifier with Cyprus.

The Sunderland midfielder sat out the latter part of yesterday's work-out with a foot problem but successfully came through today's entire session.

Miller could well find himself starting in centre midfield tomorrow evening as manager Steve Staunton has to contend with a string of injuries in the position.

Kevin Doyle jogged for the first time this week but tomorrow's game will come too soon for the in-form striker.

Staunton is pleased with the Reading player's progress but will instead rest and prepare him for Wednesday's home tie with the Czech Republic.

Staunton will hope the young striker shows no adverse reactions to his ankle strain as the manager could well do with all the firepower available to him ahead of the important double-header.

Alarmingly, his squad have failed to score in their last three outings.

"We've struggled to create chances and to put them away, but then these things happen in the game," Staunton said.

"We have to get on with it. The lads are trying, although they are probably trying too hard. The chances will come and it's up to us to take them, but we also have to tighten up at the back.

"It's our all-round team play because we defend as a team and we attack as a team."

Staunton serves a touchline ban tomorrow because of his sending off in Germany but he insists the squad will not want for guidance with coach Kevin MacDonald calling the shots from the sidelines.

"Kevin and I have already discussed virtually everything, with one or two little things to tidy up.

"When we pick the subs, we'll pick them with a game-plan in mind, and for whether things are going well or going wrong.

"With regard decision making on the bench, I've no problem with that whatsoever. Kevin's been doing that for a number of years now with big-game players."

Staunton refused to dwell on the make-up of his starting team but confirmed that Sheffield United goalkeeper Paddy Kenny will, as expected, replace the injured Shay Given between the posts.

"It was a toss up between Paddy and Wayne (Henderson), but Paddy will start," the manager said after training.

"Paddy has played in the Premiership, has more experience, so he gets the nod and now it's up to him to take his chance."