Doherty likely to get the nod

GARY DOHERTY'S success in heading a winning goal four minutes from the end of Ireland's European Championship tie against Georgia in Tbilisi in March is likely to be rewarded with a starting place for tonight's return at Lansdowne Road.

Kerr was still unsure whether Damien Duff will be fit to play and, as usual, refused to reveal his team selection. But it is obvious that the shape of the Irish team will depend hugely on Duff's state of health.

The diminutive striker trained in the gym yesterday but Kerr, who has updated Blackburn Rovers on the situation, insisted he would not start the game unless he was fully fit.

"There has been an improvement again but I cannot speculate on his potential for playing," he said.

"He's feeling a lot better, moving a lot better, but we'll wait until before kick-off."

I expect Doherty to come into the Irish side even if Duff is fit.

Kerr said: "He may become a centre-half in club terms but there will always be matches when managers will want him to play up front because of his physical attributes.

"He also has the knack of scoring the all-important goal and sometimes he enjoys streaks of goals as well, not just important goals."

If Duff is fit to play it is quite likely he will again operate with three central midfielders and Duff playing just behind Doherty and Keane. Otherwise he will stay with a 4-4-2 pattern.

It will come as no surprise if Kerr also makes changes in midfield.

He said: "We won't start with the same eleven. The two games in such a short space of time is physically very demanding on the players."

Mark Kinsella was below his best against Albania and seemed affected by his lack of first team action with Aston Villa. Matt Holland likewise was off-colour and failed to track Ervin Skela when he broke to score Albania's equaliser.

Kevin Kilbane was the most effective of Ireland's midfielders although I am very aware there are many shrewd judges who would dispute this opinion. Kilbane never stopped working.

Clearly Kilbane is one of those whose position in the team is likely to be affected by Duff's situation but it is highly likely that one of the middle three, at least, will be left out to make way for Lee Carsley, who impressed when he came on against Albania.

Steven Reid is another who will be pushing for a start. The Millwall player came in 15 minutes from time against Albania and that will be of benefit to him as he fights to regain match fitness.

He is more likely to start on the bench, however, in view of his lack of regular football in recent months.

Ireland will have to play better than they did on Saturday if they are to pick up three more precious points and emerge finally as group favourites, a rating they were accorded when the draw was made.

"We've got a game that's going to be a very, very, very, difficult game," Kerr stressed. "That's the end of the story, we've got to try and win this game. The other matches are a bit off now and this job has to be focused on."

Ireland deserved credit for the manner they refused to accept the situation when level with Albania in added time and this attitude will carry them far against Georgia.

But they will need to be cautious against players like Georgi Kinkladze, Arveladze, Demetradze and their outstanding Milan defender, Kaladze, who will again prove to be technically very proficient and sophisticated in their work.

Ireland will need another huge effort if they are to win and will also look for significant improvements in many areas.

The presence of Doherty will facilitate the establishment of a more familiar pattern of play and if Robbie Keane is persuaded not to drop so deep too often this partnership has potential.

And if Duff plays .... Anything is possible!