Kerr happy without home comforts

Brian Kerr wants his players to experience life away from the “comfort zone” when the Republic of Ireland take on Poland in tonight’s friendly in Bydgoszcz.

Since Kerr took charge of the national team at the beginning of last year Ireland have played 13 matches, but nine of them have been on home turf at Lansdowne Road.

With the World Cup qualifying campaign, which starts in September, presenting Ireland with games in Switzerland, France, Israel, the Faroe Islands and Cyprus, Kerr wants his squad to get used to playing without the support of their home fans.

“This is a chance for us to play an away game against decent opposition,” said Kerr.

“We have had a lot of home games where we have played well but away games set different challenges and tasks, and it is an opportunity for us to get used to playing without the home crowd behind us.

“It has been a bit of a comfort zone at Lansdowne Road with such fantastic crowds and great support in the last few games but there are different challenges in away games.”

Kerr has lost 10 members of his original squad but has looked on the positive side, and will give several fringe players the chance to add to their international experience.

Liam Miller, the Celtic midfield player who is bound for Manchester United in the summer, will earn his first start, as will Cardiff striker Alan Lee. Hibernian goalkeeper Nicky Colgan will also figure at some stage after returning to fitness.

“There is an opportunity for the younger players to get a chance and for us to expand the squad of players who have some experience before the qualifying campaign starts,” said Kerr.

“Some people might be surprised by some of the players I have brought in but I believe they have the potential to be part of it over the next couple of years. They are all doing well at their clubs.”

Meanwhile, Kerr has told Alex Ferguson he must accept that Roy Keane will play in friendly matches.

Keane was due to return from international exile against the Poles but pulled out with a hamstring problem shortly before the team left Dublin on Monday.

Kerr said: “I think Roy has made it clear to Alex that he needs to come back into the team and that he can’t just come back into it for the first match in the World Cup qualifying campaign, especially with the changes we have had since Roy last played for the team.

“Irrespective of who it was, if Matt Holland, Kenny Cunningham or any other player was out of the team with a long-term injury, you wouldn’t expect him to come back into the team for the first qualifier – that is a practical issue and I think the club understand that.”