Republic face must-win game in Prague

As expected Steve Staunton made one change for a match the Republic of Ireland realistically needed to win in order to maintain their hopes of qualifying for the Euro 2008 finals.

The Republic’s desperate draw in Slovakia last Saturday left them trailing the Czechs by three points but Staunton kept faith in his players, with only Andy Reid coming into midfield for the absent Stephen Ireland.

Milan Baros was fit to line up for Karel Bruckner’s Czechs at the Sparta Prague Stadium after recovering from a back injury. His fitness was a major boost for the home side, who were without fellow striker Jan Koller through suspension.

Czech Republic: Cech, Ujfalusi, Rozehnal, Kovac, Jankulovski, Sionko, Galasek, Rosicky, Polak, Plasil, Baros.

Subs: Blazek, Sivok, Vlcek, Pospech, Jarolim, Kulic, Dosek.

Rep of Ireland: Given, Kelly, McShane, Dunne, O’Shea, McGeady, Carsley, Reid, Kilbane, Kevin Doyle, Keane.

Subs: Colgan, Hunt, Keogh, Douglas, Gibson, Long, Murphy.

Referee: Kyros Vassaras (Greece)