Kerr needs to be cautious

BRIAN KERR is faced with a classic dilemma ahead of Ireland’s critical World Cup qualifying tie in the magnificent Stade de France tomorrow - to gamble on attack or to hedge his bets by playing conservatively.

The public clamour for a swashbuckling approach climbed to near hysterical levels each day this week as French problems and withdrawals piled one upon another, weighing down the shoulders of France’s new manager, Raymond Domenech.

Kerr repeatedly counselled caution in the build-up, stressing the quality of the French attacking players who most certainly are available - Thierry Henry, Robert Pires, Sylvain Wiltord, Djibril Cisse and Sidney Govou.