Olsen warns Faroes better prepared now

Perhaps it was Giovanni Trapattoni seemingly on his way to the sack that caused Faroe Islands Lars Olsen to downplay his side’s hopes before they hosted Ireland last October.

Because, with what appears to be more in hope than expectation, the Dane had a bullish spring to his step in Dublin as he briefed the media on the eve of the rematch.

According to the man who captained Denmark to a 1-1 draw at Lansdowne Road in 1994, regret still lingers amongst his group for ending up 4-1 losers in the reverse World Cup qualifier.

That the Faroes will take to the field tonight with some players who combine their part-time football careers with jobs such as an electrician, bank manager and school teacher doesn’t diminish his thoughts of a major upset.

“I’m optimistic about this game because we should have been ahead by half-time in our home meeting in Torshavn,” said the 52-year-old.

“It was the bad opening 15 minutes of the second half when we allowed Ireland score that did us. We were equal to Ireland that night.

“I know that a draw for us would be a sensation in European football.”

With an Irish crowd turning up expecting a hatful of goals against the group’s minnows, some mischief from Olsen may frustrate them.

“We will try to tease Ireland,” he said. “It is our belief we can do better against Ireland this time.

“While many of our players were out of season for the last game against Austria, they are much fitter now and ready for this match.”

Of the three nations battling for second in Group C, Olsen reckons Austria are the best his team has faced having suffered a 6-0 loss in Vienna in March.

Olsen still believes, however, that the presence of record scorer Robbie Keane in the Irish side gives them as much chance of grabbing the play-off spot for the finals in Brazil next year.

“Robbie Keane is back in the team after missing the draw against Austria and he will be a threat.

“I was here for that game against Austria and Ireland, without Robbie, Ireland were not so dangerous when they attacked. He didn’t score against us though.”

Faroe Islands

Goalkeeper: Gunnar Nielsen (Silkeborg, Denmark)

Formerly with Manchester City. Fifteen goals have swept by him in four qualifiers to date.

Right-back: Jonas Naes (Valur, Iceland)

Set to win his 30th cap tonight; played during Brian Kerr’s Euro 2012 campaign.

Centre-back: Pól Justinussen (NSI Runavik, Faroe Is)

The 24-year-old did a stint in Danish football but now spends his days as an electrician

Centre-back: Rógvi Baldvinsson (Bryne, Norway)

Had a brief spell at Bristol Rovers, the defender stunned Sweden by opening the scoring last October.

Left-back: Ari Jonsson (Silkeborg, Denmark)

Teenager set for his debut at left-back. One of the nation’s brightest prospects.

Midfielder: Hallur Hansson (Aalborg, Denmark)

A player with SPL experience from a spell at Aberdeen.

Midfielder: Christian Holst (Silkeborg, Denmark)

Relatively experienced players who has bagged three goals from midfield.

Midfielder: Suni Olsen (B36 Torshavn, Faroe Is)

Became only the second player from the Faroes to play in Holland; now back home studying to be a school teacher.

Forward: Símun Samuelsen (HB Torshavn, Faroe Is)

By day-time, he wears a suit working in a bank.

Forward: Jóan Edmundsson (Viking, Norway)

Sampled life in the English game before joining Viking in Norway.

Forward: Christian Mouritsen (HB Torshavn, Faroe Is).

Another to split his time between jobs. He sells sporting apparel for a living.