Team to play Wales named

Republic of Ireland caretaker-manager Don Givens has named his team to take on Wales at the Millennium Stadium tomorrow (Kick off: 3pm).

The side to face Wales is: Shay Given, Steve Finnan, Paul McShane, John O'Shea, Kevin Kilbane, Liam Miller, Lee Carsley, Andy Reid, Aiden McGeady, Kevin Doyle and Robbie Keane.

Skipper Keane is fit after shaking off a foot injury that led to him sitting out yesterday's training session as a precaution.

There is now a determination to finish the qualifying programme on a high, with Givens insisting: "There will be a positive frame of mind tomorrow.

"We're talking about a new manager coming in, and I've come in for this week at a time when a manager has just been sacked, but the atmosphere around the place is terrific.

"The boys in training have been first class, but then dealing with good players and good pros who want to do their job, there isn't a problem.

"We just have to take it out there tomorrow, and make sure the end result is there."

As regards finding a permamnent replacement for Steve Staunton, Givens believes the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) would be onto a winner if they could find another Johnny Giles to lead the team.

The FAI have turned to Giles to help them in their recruitment of a new boss after last month choosing to sack Staunton.

Giles, widely regarded as the man who laid the foundations for Ireland's future international success from his days as player-manager in the 1970s, has already sounded out former Wigan boss Paul Jewell.

Givens, who played under Giles, feels the 67-year-old will serve the FAI well in the recruitment process.

"There is no-one, from my time in the game, that knows football as well as John Giles," remarked Givens.

"He was a great player, and as a manager absolutely fantastic. If he is involved (in recruiting) it can't be a bad thing.

"He is very well respected in the game for his views. He says what he has to say in a very short period of time. He sums everything up, and is a knowledgeable man.

"A younger version of Johnny as manager would be ideal."

Jewell, who has now been installed as favourite, is very similar in character to Giles as he is thick-skinned, forthright and not afraid to speak his mind.

The former Wigan and Bradford manager is considering the approach made by Giles, although has confirmed their meeting did not serve as any kind of formal interview.

Referring to Jewell, Givens added: "If you ask me about Paul, you could ask me about a dozen others I've seen named in the press.

"There are names coming from everywhere, and I don't think there is a favourite at the moment.

"It's early days in the process, so I don't think there is any point giving opinions at this time."

Givens, though, feels the job is an attractive one for whoever is eventually appointed, even if there are understandable negatives.

"I think we have some decent players," assessed Givens.

"We're in a transitional period at the moment, with a lot of young boys in the squad, but boys who have talent, and I think a lot of people would want to work with them.

"You are also basically allowed to get on with your job. There is not too much hindrance from the FAI, which might not be the same with other countries.

"The FAI do give the manager a free rein, so that's the positive side of it, but there are negatives as well.

"The expectation levels are off the wall, and sometimes you boys (the media) are not too helpful. It has to be said.

"The press in the last few years you may think has been deserved, but from a neutral point of view - because I wasn't on the end of it - it's been a little over the top.

"That can have a bearing on whether a candidate takes the job or not."

Givens has his own duties to consider, namely the final European Championship qualifier against Wales in Cardiff.