Georgia on Ireland's minds

The Republic of Ireland could find themselves joint bottom of Euro 2004 qualifying Group 10 if Georgia can overcome Russia in Tbilisi tomorrow.

Croatian coach Ivo Susak has been charged with saving the former Soviet republic’s qualifying campaign after he replaced Alexander Chivadze.

Georgia have only a single point to show from their opening three qualifiers, although that was earned from the goalless draw against group leaders Switzerland.

The match, which is being replayed after it was originally abandoned because of floodlight failure, will be played behind closed doors after Georgia were punished by UEFA for a fan throwing a penknife at Ireland winger Kevin Kilbane during the 2-1 defeat in March.

Former Newcastle, Wolves and Dundee striker Temuri Ketsbaia announced his retirement after the Ireland defeat but Susak has included Derby midfielder Giorgi Kinkladze and Dundee pair Giorgi Nemsadze and Zurab Khizanishvili.

Rangers striker Shota Arveladze is expected to figure in attack.

“The match against Russia will be very difficult because everyone expects us to win,” said Susak, who was assistant to Miroslav Blazevic during Croatia’s 1998 World Cup campaign.

“I chose the best players I could have, there was no time to make any major reforms to the squad.

“We already know that we are playing in an empty stadium but we will do everything to win. I know what this match means for the Georgians.”

For Russia coach Valei Gazzaev, whose team stand second in the group, it is a case of getting back to basics following the shock 3-1 defeat at the hands of Albania last month.

The campaign began well with two wins from two against Ireland and at home to Albania, and a third win will take them above Switzerland at the top.