Good time to play France - Holland

Republic of Ireland midfielder Matt Holland believes there has never been a better time to play France.

The 30-year-old is eagerly anticipating a crack at the French in the Group Four World Cup qualifier tomorrow, particularly after suffering an injury-ravaged start to the season.

France are currently a team in transition following the appointment in the summer of new coach Raymond Domenech, who had to cope with the retirement of several star names including Zinedine Zidane, Marcel Desailly, Lilian Thuram, Bixente Lizarazu and Claude Makelele.

Under Domenech, France hve hardly captured the imagination of their fans with their opening two group results – a goalless home draw with Israel and a 2-0 win in the Faroe Islands during which captain Patrick Vieira was sent off and is now suspended.

It would appear Ireland have the perfect opportunity to clinch their first win in the French capital for 67 years stretching back to 1937.

“They will be expected to put in a big performance in front of their fans, but there have been a lot of changes in their squad so I suppose they will still be getting used to things,” said Holland.

“With the injuries, retirements and some bad recent results they are maybe not the force they were a few years ago, and they also have a new manager.

“They have lost almost half their side which played in the European Championships, but must also replace the irreplaceable in finding someone for Vieira’s midfield role.

“It might just be the right time to play them and we are confident.”

Manager Brian Kerr has warned against over-confidence, although there will be nobody more eager to play against France than Holland after his injury woes this season.

Holland limped off after just 10 minutes of Charlton’s season-opener at Bolton with an ankle ligament injury, and did not return to first-team action until the final 16 minutes of the weekend defeat to Arsenal.

Although Holland has always been a key figure for Kerr in the past, he may be forced to settle for a place on the bench at the Stade de France due to his lack of football.

“It is a massive game, for me in particular because I have never played against France and to take them on in such a fantastic stadium will be amazing,” added Holland on the Charlton website.

“But I am not sure if I will be involved, although I am feeling fit. The manager must decide if he thinks I can stand 90 minutes of international football.

“It would be great to make a first start in a long time in such a massive game and if I am asked I know I will do a good job.

“It has been a tough season so far, everyone knows I don’t get many injuries so I really want to get back.

“I feel as though I have done two pre-seasons now because I had got myself fit in August and I have had to do it in September as well.”

Kerr refused to give anything away regarding Holland, although when asked whether he could last the 90 minutes, his response was hardly positive as he said: “I don’t know.

“He played an hour in the reserves the other week, 90 minutes last week and he has had another week’s training since then.

“He feels he is fit and in good physical condition as always, but whether he would last the full 90 minutes, I am not sure. We will have to see.”

Kerr has virtually a full squad to choose from, with the exception of defender Richard Dunne who returned to Manchester City to undergo intensive treatment on a calf injury.