Kenny up for French challenge

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND captain Kenny Cunningham has insisted that France’s returning heroes only make him and his team mates more determined to claim a victory from Wednesday’s World Cup qualifier at Lansdowne Road.

Cunningham insists that rather than be filled with dread by the knowledge that he will now face Zinedine Zidane, Claude Makelele and Lilian Thuram, the return of the veteran trio only makes the French scalp all the more appealing.

"As a spectacle, their return adds great spice. For us to beat a French team that is so talented collectively and individually is great to have on your CV," said Cunningham.