Stand-ins ready to step up

SOCCER:IT'S JUST over 25 years to the day since the Republic of Ireland picked up their first and last piece of silverware. On May 27th, 1986, Frank Stapleton's late winner against Czechoslovakia saw Ireland claim the Iceland Triangular Tournament in Reykjavik. Heady days indeed.

While that win may not have caused so much as a ripple in the greater scheme of things, with all the focus on the forthcoming World Cup in Mexico, it did herald the start of a Jack Charlton era when qualification for major tournaments became commonplace.

Giovanni Trapattoni could well be hoping for a similar portent when Ireland take on Scotland for the inaugural Carling Nations Cup. And for all the fledgling tournament’s failings a win would allow the Italian to put a trying week firmly behind him. And what harm if he has a shiny new bauble to show off at the end of the day.

Of much greater import, however, is Saturday’s Euro 2012 qualifier in Macedonia. With that in mind, tomorrow’s match will give the Irish management another opportunity to assess their depleted resources, not least in defence where the cupboard is looking rather bare.

When Seán St Ledger cried off on Thursday, it merely compounded a situation that has already forced the Irish rearguard to cope without Richard Dunne through suspension. Throw in a hamstring injury to Ciaran Clark and the options narrowed further.

As such, the sight of Darren O’Dea back on the training ground was a welcome one yesterday morning and the Ipswich loanee is certain to be named in the heart of the Irish defence. Although Damien Delaney could also come in, it would come as no surprise should Stephen Kelly be asked to reform the same partnership with O’Dea that was experimented with against Uruguay.

There were mixed results back in March, with both players more than comfortable carrying the ball out from the back, but the concession of three goals, albeit in a friendly, won’t have pleased a manager who craves clean sheets.

With John O’Shea, assuming he comes back from the Champions League final fit, due to move into a more central role next weekend, much will be made of who starts at right back tomorrow. Kevin Foley, who played in midfield against Northern Ireland, has done a job there in the past but Trapattoni has also been loyal to the committed but limited Paul McShane.

Glenn Whelan will not feature in midfield after he returned to Stoke for treatment on a minor ankle injury. The problem is not deemed serious enough to prevent the midfielder travelling to Skopje (he is due to rejoin the squad on Monday), with assistant manager Marco Tardelli insisting a couple of days rest should suffice.

In his absence, Keith Fahey is expected to slot in alongside Keith Andrews with the latter playing a holding role. Given his propensity for injury, Stephen Hunt could well be held in reserve with Keith Treacy and Liam Lawrence asked to provide the width.

No matter how well he performs against Craig Levein’s side, Simon Cox is unlikely to leap Shane Long in the pecking order up front. Nevertheless, the West Brom striker can book his place on the Irish bench in Skopje with another assured display in tandem with Robbie Keane. The Irish skipper is just two shy of his half century and should be given at least 45 minutes to get closer to that mark.

For Scotland, Charlie Adam is struggling to overcome a knock picked up in the 3-1 win over Wales. Gary Caldwell has already been ruled out with a hip injury while James Morrison may not be risked.

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND (4-4-2): Given (Manchester City); McShane (Hull City), Kelly (Fulham), O’Dea (Ipswich Town), Ward (Wolves); Hunt (Wolves), Fahey (Birmingham), Andrews (Blackburn), Lawrence (Portsmouth); Keane (Tottenham Hotspur), Cox (West Brom).

SCOTLAND (4-1-4-1): McGregor (Rangers); Whittaker (Rangers), Hanley (Blackburn), Berra (Wolves), Bardsley (Sunderland); Adam (Blackpool); Naismith (Rangers), Brown (Celtic), Morrison (West Brom), McCormack (Leeds); Miller (Bursaspor)