THE strength of the challenge of Albania will cause Ireland’s manager Brian Kerr to approach today’s critical European Championship tie at Lansdowne Road (3 pm kick-off) with a degree of caution that is well founded.

BOHEMIANS striker Glen Crowe has retained his place in Brian Kerr’s 23-man squad for the Republic of Ireland’s two Euro 2004 qualifiers against Albania and Georgia next month.

Shay Given has once again kept Ireland on level terms with a superb save to keep Albania out.

Albania have kicked off the second half of their clash with Ireland this evening.

Ireland are facing fierce early pressure from Albania in their European Championship qualifier this evening.

Albania 3 Russia 1

RUSSIA strengthened their command of Group 10 after they scored twice in the first half and twice in the second when crushing Albania 4-1 last night.