Kerr wants all-action approach

Republic of Ireland manager Brian Kerr has vowed to take on Switzerland tomorrow “with all guns blazing”, with his job and the country’s World Cup hopes on the line.

Despite the fact Kerr is without two of his most influential players in Damien Duff and Roy Keane through injury, the 52-year-old is confident of a victory that will seal a play-off place.

Nothing less than three points will do from the final Group Four showdown at Lansdowne Road, with the odds against the Republic as they have failed to beat Kobi Kuhn’s side in the last three meetings, while the Swiss are also unbeaten in their last 12 games.

Yet Kerr is adamant he has the courage of his convictions to go for the win as he said: “I am confident we can do the job tomorrow.

“Switzerland are a good team. They know what they are about and deserve the respect of everyone.

“They are a compact, efficient unit, as they have shown in the last qualification and this one, while they are also well organised, have good attacking players with plenty of pace, with youth having come into the team.

“But we will go out with all guns blazing, giving it everything we’ve got to qualify for the World Cup finals.”

Kerr concedes if he has to make tough decisions regarding team selection, he will not be afraid to do so – despite the pressure mounting ahead of such a monumental game.

“I am the one, as far as I am concerned, who has the knowledge about this group of players and the opposition we are going to face,” insisted Kerr.

“So it doesn’t bother me who other people think I should play, or shouldn’t play. I know the ability of the players and the potential of many of them, and the experience they’ve had.

“I’ll make the decisions as I see fit.”

Goalkeeper Shay Given, hero of Saturday’s 1-0 victory over Cyprus in Nicosia courtesy of a string of world-class saves – including a 14th-minute penalty stop - looks certain to be fit after suffering an injury scare in training yesterday.

The Newcastle goalkeeper was playing as an outfield player in a five-a-side match at the team’s training base at Malahide United when it is understood he was caught in a tackle by Gary Doherty, sustaining a foot injury.

Given was forced to undergo an x-ray and scan, adding to the concerns after a scan on Sunday confirmed influential winger Duff would miss the Swiss clash with knee cartilage damage.

But an optimistic Kerr said: “Shay had an x-ray and scan on his injured foot. This revealed no bone damage, although there is some soft-tissue swelling. We are confident he will be fit to play.”

Manchester City defender Richard Dunne, who was indebted to Given after giving away the penalty at the GSP Stadium, underlined the importance of the 29-year-old to the team.

“He’s been brilliant, and over the last two years has established himself as probably the best keeper in Europe,” said Dunne.

“On Saturday he was outstanding again, with his penalty save brilliant. He has been a bit of a rock for us.

“I’m sure he’ll say he is just doing his job and there to cover for everyone else, but thankfully he has been on top form all through the campaign.”