Henchoz the loser as Swiss divide affects team selection

THE tension within the Swiss camp between the German and French elements is expected to be reflected in their team selection against Ireland with Liverpool's centre-back Stephane Henchoz as the main victim.

Henchoz, who played for Switzerland when they were beaten 4-1 by Russia in Moscow last month, is expected to lose out to Patrick Muller of Olympique Lyonnais because of a perceived inability to form a good partnership with Murat Yakin of FC Basel.

Yakin, elder brother of Switzerland's star player, Hakan Yakin, is regarded as the strong man of the Swiss defence and proved as much at Lansdowne Road twelve months ago when he was outstanding at the heart of a tough and rugged defence.