Ireland to depart for Cyprus ahead of crucial qualifier

Ireland are due to depart for Cyprus later today ahead of their crucial World Cup qualifier on Saturday.

Brian Kerr's men must win the match and must also secure victory against Switzerland in Dublin next week to be in with a chance of reaching the play-offs.

The only real doubt ahead of the two games is Sunderland's Gary Breen, who is struggling with a calf strain.

Liverpool's Steve Finnan sat out training yesterday, but is expected to be fully fit in time for Saturday's showdown.