Cunningham wary of Albanians

IRELAND’S qualification hopes for the European Championship finals in Portugal next year will be put into perspective today when two critical matches will be decided in Dublin and Basle.

A win for Ireland over Albania coupled with a defeat for Russia in Switzerland would see Ireland rocket up the table to second place in the group. And they could further enhance their position against Georgia next Wednesday.

It is a fascinating competitive couplet with all four teams going into today's games with qualification prospects still very much alive. And the rewards for success are tantalisingly attractive.