McCarthy waits to name team

Irish manager Mick McCarthy will wait until just before kick-off before naming his team to face Germany in the World Cup group stages later today.

Shay Given, Ian Harte and Steve Finnan all came through training yesterday despite injury worries and McCarthy should have a full-strength squad to choose from.

Ireland will be hoping to earn at least a draw in the game, a result that would bring them closer to qualifying for the second round of the competition.

However, Germany should prove formidable opponents after hammering Saudi Arabia 8-0 in their opening game last Saturday.