Ireland look to end campaign on a high
Shay Given will captain Ireland on his 100th cap tonight
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By Richard James. |  |
Wednesday, 14, Oct 2009 01:00
Ireland look to end campaign on a high
By Michael Younger.
The Republic of Ireland will look to get back to winning ways ahead of November's play-offs, as they face Montenegro at Croke Park tonight.
Ireland confirmed their position as runner-up to Italy after Saturday's draw against the World Champions, ensuring the Republic a play-off shot in mid-November, to reach the finals in South Africa.
Assistant Marco Tardelli said after the squads training session on Monday: "We don't want to lose because it is important to arrive at the end of the group stage without a defeat.
"That's important for us. England lost and other important teams have lost and it's important for the Irish team to arrive at the end undefeated."
As the squads line up for the national anthems, Shay Given and Kevin Kilbane will receive their 100th senior cap, with Given also being handed the captains armband for the clash.
Given said on the achievement: "Making 100 caps, myself and Kevin Kilbane on the same night, we will both be very proud wearing the Irish jersey once more.
"To wear it 100 times is very, very special."
Whatever the outcome of tonight's clash, Ireland are likely to have one eye on the play-offs, where they have the possibility of facing a strong side such as Portugal, France or Russia.
Given, however seems unfazed and is determined to reach South Africa next summer.
"We came into this (group) in third place in the seedings and it was going to be a tough ask to get into the play-off position," he stated.
"We would love to have topped the group, don't get me wrong, but we haven't done that.
"We have got into second place and I would honestly say most players and fans alike would have probably taken that with the world champions being in the group as well.
"That comes from the manager. We finished the last campaign in fourth place, so to finish in second, we are improving and he has got to take the credit.
"I don't think anyone will relish playing us. We have got a settled team and we are unbeaten in the group so far.
"We have shown we can go to Italy and go to Bulgaria and get results. Whoever is drawn against Ireland, we will cause them some problems."
Meanwhile the Republic's opponents, Montenegro, have claimed four points in their last two qualifiers and will carry with them the incentive of inflicting a first defeat of the campaign on Ireland.