St Ledger: Our defence can cope with French pace

Republic of Ireland defender Sean St Ledger has said that the experience of his fellow defenders will help him cope with the pace of the French strike force in the World Cup play-off today.

St Ledger was responding to a question about the pace of France's strikers, especially Thierry Henry, which he described as "extraordinary".

"The pace that they have in their team is extraordinary, on the international scene, the pace of the players is stepped up a notch."

However, the Middlesbrough defender believes Ireland have the defence to cope with it.

"I think as a team there will be a responsibility on the team and as a back four there will be a major responsibility to shut them out.

"But Kevin, Richard, Shay and John have played against these players week-in, week-out, so they have the experience and I am sure they will pass that on to me."

For more on this interview, check out our audio clip of St Ledger talking to Breakingnews.ie head sports reporter Shaun Cronin and the assembled media about the France game.