Ireland’s twin terrors will frighten Cameroon

ENGLAND striker Darius Vassell believes Ireland’s twin strike force of Damien Duff and Robbie Keane will cause Cameroon plenty of problems in Niigata on Saturday.

The Aston Villa striker, on target for England in Sunday’s 2-2 draw against the African Nations champions, reckons Duff and Keane are the type of forwards Cameroon simply don’t like defending against.

"I think Robbie and Damien need to play their normal game against the Cameroon defence," he said. "They are two magnificent players and if you give too much focus to the other team and their players, then you can lose your way a bit."

The way Vassell sliced through the Cameroonian defence, latching on to Paul Scholes’ fine pass to score England’s first equaliser, was an imprint of any number of Robbie Keane’s goals. Ireland should focus on their strengths up front rather than the overall strength of the African champions.

"They need to play their own game and if they do, they will be effective. You can score against Cameroon, as we proved. And the way I scored, cutting through the defence, seems the best route.

"That’s the way Robbie and Damien play as well, that’s the way Robbie likes to score, so I think they could have a good day next week."

Although new to the international scene, Vassell has settled seamlessly into the English set up and could be in line for a shock start against Sweden next weekend. He says the friendly against Cameroon was the toughest match he has been involved in, so far.

"They are a physically strong, athletic side. I had seen them a few times before on TV and I think they could do something at the World Cup. They are able to mix a physical game with a passing one as well and that makes them dangerous."

Vassell’s sentiments were echoed by his England team-mate David James, who was beaten by Geremi’s stunning free-kick in the second half. Aside from their clever set pieces, James was impressed by their technical ability.

"They used the ball really well,” the West Ham keeper observed. "Their cross field play was excellent and it brought about their first goal. They have got a lot going for them. They are also handy from set pieces. Apart from the second goal, they caused us a lot of problems from corners."

Despite being impressed by the African champions, James still feels Ireland have enough talent and battling qualities to make it through to the next phase - even without Roy Keane.

"Any team in the world would miss a player of Keane’s calibre, but Ireland are still capable of qualifying for the second round. It is a difficult group, but they certainly have a chance."

Meanwhile Teddy Sheringham says he is disappointed his former skipper Roy Keane won’t play in this World Cup.

Sheringham had a long-standing dispute with the United captain that some sources believe lasted three years. But the Spurs veteran feels it is a shame one of the best players in the world won’t be on football’s greatest stage.

"I was surprised to hear Roy had gone," said the England striker. "He is a world-class player and you want people like him to be playing at a World Cup.

"Obviously, there is a reason why that won’t happen, but it is a blow for Ireland. It is like us losing David Beckham.

"I don’t want to go into him as a person. All I will say that he is an exceptional player, one of the best, and Ireland will miss him, but it is not the end of the world.

"It’s how Ireland deal with it," Sheringham said. "They may have to go into these games without Roy Keane but they have some other very good players and I am sure morale is high.

"They showed in the qualification campaign they are a match for anyone and there is still no reason why they can’t carry that form out here."