Team talk

Possible line-up

Rustu Rencber GK (Fenerbahce)

First capped five years ago against Iceland, Rustu has become a regular international in recent seasons. A great shot-stopper with sharp reflexes, the 26 year old has plenty of experience at this stage. His weakness, however, is his positional sense which has been known to desert him at key moments.

Fatih Akyel Def (Galatasaray)

Quick and a good tackler, Fatih is one of the central figures in the Turkish defence. For a 21 year old, he has good positional sense, is a good reader of the game and possesses the speed to mop up for those around him. Made his debut against Wales just over a year ago and has become a consistent performer for the national team. The visitors may look to him to start their breaks out of defence.

Ogun Temizkanoglu Def (Fenerbahce)

Actually made his debut against Ireland back in 1990 when the two sides played out a nil all draw. Since then the 30 year old has been capped more than 50 times. In the current team, he floats between the two man markers and drifts forward into midfield if the opportunity arises. If the tactical situation demands it, Denizli will push Ogun forward into an attacking midfield role.

Alpay Ozalan Def (Fenerbahce)

A key player in the Turkish defence, Alpay can play on either side and generally acts as a man marker. Big and capable, particularly in the air, he may be deployed to look after Niall Quinn. Also likes to get forward whenever the chance arises.

Tayfun Korkut Mid/RWB (Fenerbahce)

Fast and good with the ball at his feet, 25-year-old Tayfun will be a threat to the Irish in both games if he plays as he has the ability to take on and beat defenders before playing others into strong positions. Denizli certainly likes him, but while he is an industrious player he is a poor crosser of the ball.

Okan Buruk Mid (Galatasaray)

Also a right-sided midfielder. Made his senior debut in the late 1980s when he was nicknamed the "Turkish Maradona" and tipped to become the outstanding player of his generation. However, a broken leg kept him out for a long time and he has not been the same since. Still, his attacking play down the right and his crosses are a key part of the Turkish attack.

Sergen Yalcin Mid (Fenerbahce)

The hottest property in Turkish football, Sergen's performances, and Ireland's ability to keep him quiet, will be crucial over the two games. The 27-year-old has had his fair share of problems with clubs, but on the pitch he has done more than enough to allow everybody to overlook his wild reputation. Technically gifted with great vision, a lethal left foot and a cracking free-kick.

Tayfur Havutcu Mid (Besiktas)

One of the side's most versatile players, the 29-year-old Bulgarian learned his trade in the Eastern bloc, can play in defence or as an attacking midfielder, but it is in the latter role that he is used.

Abdullah Ercan Mid/LWB (Fenerbahce)

A quick and talented player, Abdullah will pose problems down the left. He is a fine crosser of the ball and while he is not a natural goalscorer, he has been involved in setting up quite a few during almost 10 years as a national team regular. His defensive skills may well give him the edge over Hakan Unsal when the time comes for Denizli to pick his team.

Arif Erdem For (Galatasaray)

Nothing impressive about his strike-rate, but he is nevertheless a hard working player who contributes a fair amount to the team's overall game and has a good understanding with Hakan Sukur. Scored for Galatasaray in Old Trafford back in 1993 when the Turks put Alex Ferguson's side out of Europe and more recently put three past Maik Taylor in Belfast. Can also play as an attacking midfielder.

Hakan Sukur For (Galatasaray)

Strong-running striker who tends to be the target for everything his side does going forward. Strong, agile, good in the air with a fierce shot. Comfortably the side's main threat in front of goal and while he started the season poorly, Hakan is now back to his very best. Will cause Mick McCarthy and his defenders a good deal of concern.

Squad Members. . .

Engin Ipekoglu GK (Fenerbahce) Was first choice for both his club and country before breaking a leg and allowing the younger Rustu in. At 38, Engin has been around a long time and accrued 30 caps.

Saffet Akbas Def (Fenerbahce)

Another of the visiting side's big men, Saffet has made only a handful of appearances for the national team since making his debut in 1996. Still, Denizli rates him. His strength in the air might get him into the team his evening, but if it does then Robbie Keane should benefit from his lack of mobility.

Ali Eren Beserler Def (Besiktas)

Young and relatively inexperienced defensive midfielder who made his debut 15 months ago in Helsinki. Although considered a little too erratic for games of this importance by many of those back home, Denizli likes him and he may well figure.

Tugay Kerimoglu Mid (Galatasaray)

After a brief spell in the international wilderness, Tugay has returned to the Turkish camp of late. Can play in defence or, more usually, as a defensive midfielder, but he was dropped for the trip to Germany after having a nightmare against Moldova.

Hakan Unsal LWB (Galatasaray)

A versatile player who is most at home as a wing back. Has made only fleeting appearances over the course of the qualification campaign and if he starts tonight ahead of Abdullah then it may be an indication that the visitors intend to go for it in the away leg.

Saffet Akyuz For (Galatasaray)

Saffet is a small, nimble striker with a lot of skill. At club level, though, his form this season has been extremely poor.

Ergun Penbe Mid (Galatasray)

Can operate just in front of the defence, in central midfield or in an attacking role down the left. Ergun has a good left foot, as good as Sergen's, but doesn't possess his team-mate's determination.

Umit Davala Utility (Galatasaray)

Recent arrival on the team, Umit can play just about anywhere, but is particularly good in midfield where he works hard to deny opponents time or space on the ball.

Umit Karan For (Genclerbirligi)

Made his debut against Moldova. Umit is big and strong and he knows where the goal is. At club level, he consistently does well, but the step up to the international stage may be slightly beyond him.

KEY: GK - goalkeeper; Def - defender; For - forward; Mid - midfielder; LWB - left wing back; RWB - right wing back.