Slovakia stars vow to make it hot for Ireland and ‘attack, attack, attack’

IT is a sign of how the gap between Slovakia and the Republic of Ireland has closed over the years that the hosts for tomorrow’s Euro 2008 qualifier in Bratislava will probably have more players in Champions League action this season than Steve Staunton’s side.

The withdrawal of Steve Finnan has left the Irish with Aiden McGeady and United squad members John O’Shea and Darron Gibson in Europe’s premier competition. Slovakia also have three players qualified for the group stages, a trio that are guaranteed to play against English opposition in the next few weeks: Porto midfielder Marek Cech (who will face Liverpool), Rosenborg playmaker Marek Sapara (drawn to face Chelsea) and Slavia Prague defender Matej Krajcik (up against Arsenal).

All three came through training last evening and said spirits were high in their camp. “I know all about Robbie Keane and I have played against John O’Shea when Porto played against Man Utd in Europe a few years ago,” said Cech.