Big Match Preview: Albania v Republic of Ireland

By Ade O'Connor
April 1 2003

Ireland head into the vital away game against Albania with few injury worries. The Republic is boosted by the return of striker Robbie Keane, who comes back in following a family bereavement.

Keane will find himself put straight into Ireland’s frontline, as they look to dispose of a tough and vigilant Albanian side with as little trouble as possible.

This may not be easy, after the Balkan side successfully defeated the Republic’s fellow qualification hopefuls, Russia, in a very impressive display. The 3-1 victory will mean a packed house on Wednesday and an extremely hostile atmosphere.

Kevin Kilbane looks doubtful to be fit for the match in Tirana, after aggravating his groin during the win over Georgia. The fitness of the Sunderland midfielder will dictate how Ireland line up for the crucial game.

Should Kilbane not be able to start, Damien Duff will move to the left midfield role, leaving Gary Doherty to partner Robbie Keane up front. Duff regularly plays on the left side of midfield for Blackburn Rovers, creating plenty of chances for the front pairing.

However, if Kilbane is ready to play on Wednesday, Lee Carsley’s spell in the team could be cut short, with the Irish midfield being re-organised to accommodate the incoming Robbie Keane.

Goal scorer Doherty is set to start in the forwards once more for Ireland, despite reporting a slight ankle train and missing training on Monday. The Tottenham utility man has pledged to decide on a full time position during the summer, with the help of the Spurs coaches.

Doherty had been used in both the centre back and centre forward role for club and country. At the age of twenty-three, he feels it is time to concentrate on one area of the field, believing it too difficult to practice the two areas simultaneously.

Meanwhile, young Manchester United defender John O`Shea is confident he is aware of what to expect in such a hostile arena, after gaining advice from Wes Brown.

"The crowd will be very hostile and with the result they got at the weekend when they beat Russia it's going to be a packed house.” Commented O`Shea.

John O`Shea also takes heart in how Ireland conduct themselves on the field of play, even during heated moments. He believes this will assist the team through any difficult periods.

"We are all professional but we had to keep our discipline. We could have got carried away with it and started ranting and raving at the referee.''

The young starlet with need to keep in the ultra impressive form he has shown of late, if he wishes to silence the crowd in Tirana. After putting three goals past an able Russian team, the Irish will need to be well prepared for a tiresome game.

Although, by retaining the professionalism and confidence shown of late, there should be no reason why the team cannot return to Dublin with all six points from these tricky away fixtures.

The Republic of Ireland team to face Albania in Tirana on Wednesday (kick off 5:30pm BST):

(probable)

GK Shay Given

DR Steve Carr
DL Kenny Cunningham (c)
DC John O`Shea
DC Gary Breen
MR Damien Duff
ML Kevin Kilbane
MC Matt Holland
MC Mark Kinsella

ST Robbie Keane
ST Gary Doherty