Ireland Given boost

Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given came through the Republic of Ireland’s final training session at Lansdowne Road this morning and is fit to face Russia tomorrow.

Irish boss Brian Kerr revealed that Given had been struggling with a knee problem but has been given a clean bill of health for the vital Euro 2004 Group 10 qualifier when he will win his 53rd cap.

Kerr said: “Shay had a bit of soreness on his knee that is fine now.

“Training went well today, the pitch is in great shape and everyone is fit.

“I know my team and I’ve told the players and this is a huge game for us but only because we’ve done our stuff in the last four matches.”

Ireland’s group is still wide open with anyone of leaders Switzerland, the Republic or the Russians still able to win it and qualify automatically for next summer’s finals in Portugal.

The simple mathematics for Kerr’s men is that if they win tomorrow and also beat Switzerland away in their final match next month then they will win the group.

Kerr added: “People said from the start that this was a wide open group because there wasn’t a great deal between all the teams – and that has proved to be the case.”