Cunningham warns against complacency

Republic of Ireland captain Kenny Cunningham has warned his team-mates they must be on their guard to avoid England-style embarrassment at Lansdowne Road tonight.

Cunningham’s men put their pride and their manager’s unbeaten record on the line against Australia as they build up to two crucial Euro 2004 qualifying matches early next month.

Brian Kerr is undefeated in his first six matches in charge of his country and Cunningham is aware of the importance of extending that run so as not to dent confidence prior to the task ahead.

However, Ireland will be mindful that the Socceroos beat England 3-1 in a friendly at Upton Park last season.

Cunningham admitted: “If we approach the game anywhere less than we usually do then they are a team which could embarrass us.

“It’ll be a really good test for us because everyone was blown away by the manner of their performance against England, which opened a lot of people’s eyes to the quality of their side.

“They have got players who have proved themselves in the Premiership and in Harry Kewell they have one of the few players who can get supporters off their seats.”

Kerr is also aware of the challenge and expects to name a starting line-up not dissimilar to the one he intends to play against Russia next month.

The only departure is Kerr’s decision to give valuable experience to young goalkeeper Nick Colgan, on loan to Stockport from Hibernian, who will start with number one Shay Given possibly being introduced in the second half.

Kerr is in the unusual position of being able to choose from a squad depleted by only two early withdrawals, despite the Barclaycard Premiership kick-off just three days previously.

And he is delighted to have Clinton Morrison available after a succession of injuries which have stalled the Birmingham striker’s career.

Kerr, who could name Morrison alongside Robbie Keane up front, said: “Clinton has shown great potential and I am glad he is back in contention.

“He played two pre-season games but he hasn’t had a lot of football recently and I haven’t seen a lot of him.

“We will have a strong team out and I don’t think it will be too far away from my best team. Having said that, if players need a rest I will give them a rest.

“The Australians have a very good attitude to the game and their approach to the England game was top-class.

“They played with great pride and passion but I think we can match that. I don’t think anybody has a better attitude to friendlies than us. I know both sides will be going for it.”

Australia coach Frank Farina has also named a strong squad and players like Kewell and Mark Viduka are expected to feature.

But Farina has had to cope with raised levels of expectation ever since his nation’s glory night at Upton Park.

Farina said: “We’ve got a big monster around our neck after beating England and now we must feed that monster by always getting good results, but we know Ireland are going to be hard to beat.”