Tall order to keep Koller in check

IRELAND captain Kenny Cunningham yesterday suggested he and his new centre-back partner, Gary Doherty, would have to "box clever" if they were to cope with one of the most formidable strike forces in world football.

The Czechs will have the 6'7" Jan Koller of Borussia Dortmund at centre-forward and playing just behind him will be Pavel Nedved (Juventus), who was voted the best player of 2003 by the international team managers.

Said Cunningham: "you're always excited at the prospect of pitting yourself against the best and Koller provides you with difficulties that other centre-forwards don't.