A draw will do us now

RUSSIA’S victory against Slovakia last night makes Ireland’s mission on Tuesday against Armenia a simple one: Don’t lose.

Russia now only need to collect a point against the lowly Andorrans in Moscow in three days’ time to guarantee their participation at the Euro 2012 finals in Poland and the Ukraine.

Ireland require a draw in the Aviva Stadium against the high-scoring Armenians to finish second and go into next month’s play-offs.