Ireland v Cameroon - match preview

Jason McAteer has been passed fit to play for the Republic of Ireland in their opening World Cup Group E clash with Cameroon on Saturday.

The Sunderland midfielder was doubtful after suffering a badly bruised left knee during last weekend's friendly against Hiroshima in Izumo.

But manager Mick McCarthy reported a clean bill of health for his entire squad after they trained in the magnificent Big Swan stadium here on Friday.

"Everybody is fine and fit to play - and that clears Jason," said McCarthy.

"We had a few people sit out training because of blisters or minor bangs, but everybody is fit to play."

McAteer is set to line up on the right-hand side of midfield, although there is speculation as to who will be on the opposite flank.

McCarthy may decide to rest McAteer's Sunderland colleague Kevin Kilbane and instead push Ian Harte into midfield, with his Leeds team-mate Gary Kelly moving in at left-back.

Kenny Cunningham is fit to partner Steve Staunton in the centre of defence, and Mark Kinsella will replace rebel former skipper Roy Keane in the heart of midfield.

The Republic go into the World Cup a man down after FIFA rejected their request to replace axed skipper Roy Keane.

The Football Association of Ireland wanted permission to fill the gap in their squad left by Keane, who was sent home in disgrace from Ireland's warm-up camp in Saipan after a blazing row with McCarthy.

But FIFA rules stipulate a player can only be replaced on the grounds of injury, as with the case of England's Trevor Sinclair replacing the injured Danny Murphy.

FAI general secretary Brendan Menton revealed that FIFA had rejected their request because Keane had not been injured when he left the squad.

Keane had been plagued by a knee problem in recent weeks, but the Irish would have had to have provided FIFA with a medical certificate proving that the Manchester United skipper was unfit to play at the World Cup.

Meanwhile Cameroon star Lauren has conceded he is "secretly happy" at the fact Keane will not be driving on the Republic.

Keane's disgraced absence has dominated Ireland's build-up to the opening Group E clash despite McCarthy's attempt to draw a veil over the unsavoury events of more than a week ago.

Keane's foul-mouthed tirade towards McCarthy led to his eventual expulsion from the squad, with the aftermath in the following days becoming a 'will he-won't he' saga as to whether the Manchester United skipper would make peace with the 42-year-old and be allowed to return.

Cameroon have had their own problems, notably a 60-hour flight to Japan last week due to an initial delay in Paris following the non-payment of World Cup bonuses to the players.

But that has paled into insignificance in comparison to the furore which has surrounded Ireland.

It could all play into Cameroon's hands as Arsenal midfielder Lauren said: "Roy Keane is one of the best midfielders in the world, but I know most of the players in the Ireland side and they are still very strong with the likes of (Mark) Kinsella and (Matt) Holland in the midfield.

"It doesn't matter who plays, it's still going to be difficult because the World Cup everybody wants to give their best.

"So we are expecting a tough game, even without Roy Keane, but of course we are secretly happy he is not playing."

Patrick Mboma, meanwhile, cannot wait for the World Cup to start after shaking off an Achilles injury.

Mboma is the undoubted star of what is arguably the strongest Cameroon squad since Roger Milla led the Indomitable Lions to the quarter-finals of Italia '90.

The fact Mboma, who has required treatment all this week for his injury, has given himself the all clear will prove an inspiration to the rest of the Cameroon squad.

The 31-year-old, who spent the closing few months of the last Premiership season on loan at Sunderland, believes in his own ability and that coach Winfried Schafer's side have what it takes to at least reach the last eight.

"We are confident that we can be successful and do better than our brothers in 1990," stated Mboma.

"It's a huge enterprise we have to realise, but we are ready for big things.

"This opening game against Ireland is going to be a difficult one because they looked an impressive team in qualifying, particularly in beating Holland.

"But if we are intent on reaching at least the quarter-finals then we have to play and beat strong teams and Ireland are a strong team."

Mboma has scored 23 goals in his 42 internationals for Cameroon, which is an impressive strike rate he is looking to maintain in this World Cup.

Cameroon's fervent supporters are banking on Mboma to fire their side to victory.

And the pressure would appear to be on the imposing 6ft 2ins striker.

But Mboma added: "I am under no pressure to do well except the pressure which I place upon myself.

"I am confident of doing well, but it's more important that the team are happy and we work as hard as possible to achieve our goals.

"The fact that the Cameroon players are here and that we want to reach the quarter-finals and have a good World Cup is more important."