Staunton keeping his fingers crossed

Republic of Ireland manager Steve Staunton will continue to monitor Steve Finnan's fitness on a  'day-by-day' basis ahead of Saturday's Euro 2008 qualifier against Slovakia.

Staunton remains hopeful that Finnan, who stayed with club side Liverpool to receive ongoing treatment on the knee injury picked up at the weekend, can play some part in Bratislava.

Failing that, Staunton will be keeping his fingers crossed the full-back will be available for the match in the Czech Republic just four days later.

"With Stevie Finnan, we're taking him day by day," explained Staunton at the end of training. "He opened up the joint but he's had it before. We're hopeful for the weekend but if not, then Wednesday night."

Darren Potter is another doubt for the Ireland boss, a groin strain preventing him from joining up with the squad at this stage, while Stephen Ireland is due to link up with his teammates later this evening.

The rest of the squad trained in Malahide this afternoon, although Paul McShane's involvement was limited due to a shoulder problem.

"Paul's had a problem for a week or so," added Staunton. "He's done his fitness work, that's all he has to do, he doesn't have to get involved in the contact stuff to make it any sorer."

Meanwhile, Staunton is confident that goalkeeper Shay Given will be match fit, despite a lack of football recently.

"He played last Wednesday and that's good enough for me," he said. "If Shay hadn't played any games, I'd have no problems."