Ireland host Wales at Croke Park

Ireland face Wales in today's crucial Euro 2008 qualifier at Croke Park - with neither side able to afford defeat.

The Irish lie third in the group, and could leap frog the losers of tonight's tussle between joint group leaders Germany and the Czech Republic.

There are no new injury concerns for manager Stephen Staunton but the Louth man has yet to name his starting eleven.

But he did confirm yesterday that Manchester City's Stephen Ireland will start.

Having previously managed danger man Craig Bellamy, international football consultant Bobby Robson said Ireland will have to contain the striker on Saturday.

After missing out against San Marino due to a hamstring injury Reading's Kevin Doyle said he was raring to go, and believes two wins could get qualification chances back on track.

Aiden McGeady said that playing at Croke Park will be a major achievement for him. Although he was brought up in Scotland the Celtic player said he was well aware of the historical implications of playing at GAA Headquarters.