Depleted defence faces friendly fire

ENGLAND were training at the same time as Ireland at London Colney yesterday but the English session was strictly behind closed doors, meaning that the Irish press posse was kept at more than arm’s length while our English counterparts weren’t permitted on site at all.

Still, that didn’t stop an enterprising local journalist attempting to get a few column inches out of Giovanni Trapattoni’s views on Fabio Capello’s current woes. Being the practiced media operator that he is, Trap was careful not to get entangled in the detritus of the Terry-Bridge soap opera, contenting himself with a statement which, with plurals added, came out as: “Thanks Gods, it’s a friendly.”

Fortunately for Trapattoni, he hasn’t had to field any similar inquiries on his own turf but, going in to tonight’s game against Brazil at the Emirates, he too has reason to “thanks Gods” it’s only a friendly.

Yesterday, he made it clear that it was originally his intention to field the starting 11 from Paris against the samba masters tonight but John O’Shea’s long-term injury, compounded with a knock which has ruled Richard Dunne out of the reckoning, have forced the manager into a defensive reshuffle.

The result is that a weakened back four of Stephen Kelly, Paul McShane, Sean St Ledger and Kevin Kilbane will be called upon to attempt to deny one of the most potent attacking teams in world football while, at the other end of the pitch, the announcement at the 11th hour last night that Robbie Keane would be in fact fit to play this evening at least ensures Trap of an experienced strike force.

Against a side which, in its pomp, can run riot against the very best, it’s little wonder that Trapattoni wanted to have his most experienced heads available, even if tonight’s game is otherwise all about looking to the future and not, he insists, some kind of reward for the mighty effort in the World Cup qualifiers.

“The famous players are still important for us,” the manager said. “The senior players can be the father figures for the younger players. This is important. But it is also important against this strong and famous team not to change immediately. We can start with the seniors and I can change it on the pitch. When you play with the young against this team it is very, very dangerous because we cannot change the habits of the team in two days. This applies to players like (Greg) Cunningham and (Marc) Wilson and those players who don’t play this way at their club, like (James) McCarthy.”

The Wigan tyro, nursing a swollen ankle since Saturday, was able to train yesterday and, should he experience no reaction today, will probably see some action. Suggesting that McCarthy is still searching for his best position, the manager hailed him as a “clever and creative” footballer but wisely counselled against making extravagant claims on his behalf at this early stage in his career.

“Only Pele, Maradona and Cruyff that I know of at 19 years of age were stars,” he observed. “The rest grow slowly, slowly.”

The key to a successful outcome tonight, he feels, is tapping into the same energy and attitude Ireland brought to bear against France and Italy. And maybe a little bit more besides because, after all, this is Brazil.

Said Trapattoni: “There will be more expectation because Brazil is a great team and opponent. Our players must prepare with 100% attention. We must also be compact – that is very, very important. We cannot allow the pace of the great players like Kaka, Robinho and many other creative players to be decisive.”

And, of course, as Trap will be quick to remind you, even a less than full strength Ireland are not without their own bright sparks, like rejuvenated birthday boy Damien Duff – 31 today – Kevin Doyle and, belatedly, Keane. The Italian is clearly a big fan of the Wolves striker.

“I think in the two years that I know Kevin Doyle, he is a really good striker,’’ Trapattoni said. “He is intelligent, scores a goal and works for the team. In these two years he has grown a lot because he plays against the very important defenders. He scores a goal, works for the team and is clever.”

Meantime, Ireland are clearly up against it tonight although Trapattoni maintains that the team’s collective strength can blot out Brazilian stardust.

“One versus one, Brazil have quality and ability and they can shoot. Together we must defend. With Dunne missing we must watch as they also have five or six tall players. I am also a little bit afraid of dead ball situations as they are very, very dangerous from corners and free kicks. But I am confident about our team, it is organised. And if my players play as they did against France and Italy – with this mentality and order – I am sure we can also play against Brazil.”

But still, tonight one suspects, will be a busy one for Shay Given and Kevin Kilbane as the evergreens finally break Steve Staunton’s record of 102 caps for their country. And no better – or should that be worse? – opposition to do it against.