Macedonia -v- Republic of Ireland

• Ross Mullen
• Sat, Jun 04 2011


Ireland head to the newly renovated National Arena Filip II Stadium in Skopje to face old adversaries Macedonia tonight in what is a tricky away fixture. (Sat 4 Jun KO 8.30pm) After five games, Ireland are equal on points at the top of the group with Slovakia and Russia while Macedonia are in desperate need of a victory to stay in contention.

Ireland are all too aware of the difficulty of this fixture having twice allowed leads to slip against the eastern European outfit. Back in 1997 Ireland went ahead before losing 3-2 to signal the end of their march towards the World Cup in France. Even more heartbreaking was when in 1999, Ireland conceded a goal in injury time to draw 1-1, costing the Boys in Green a place in Euro 2000. However, one of Giovanni Trapattoni’s specialities is not losing away from home and he has yet to taste defeat in all of his seven competitive fixtures.

Ireland won the previous encounter 2-1 at the Aviva Stadium in March and despite an impressive first 45 minutes, Ireland faltered badly in the second half and only an important save from debutant Kieren Westwood kept Ireland in front.

However, it will be a much different Ireland side taking to the field in Skopje, particularly in defence where regular centre half pairing Richard Dunne and Sean St. Ledger are unavailable, Dunne is suspended while St. Ledger couldn’t recover from injury. Darren O’Dea comes into central defence after solid performances against Northern Ireland and Scotland in the Nations Cup to partner “Mr. Versatile” John O’Shea. There will also be more experience in goal as Shay Given makes a welcome return after a lengthy absence through injury.

Trapattoni has opted for Stephen Kelly at right-back and Stephen Ward might be disappointed not to make the team but the manager has gone for the reliable Kevin Kilbane on the other flank after he returns from play off heartbreak with Huddersfield Town. Shane Long is another man who will still be licking his wounds after losing the Championship Play-Off final with Reading but he only makes the bench.

There is little surprise in midfield with Glenn Whelan and Keith Andrews playing in the middle and Stephen Hunt and Aiden McGeady on the wings. McGeady will be hoping to add to his international account having finally scored his first goal against the Macedonians in March.

Trapattoni will hand Simon Cox his first competitive cap up front alongside Robbie Keane who was a doubt after he picked up a groin injury in training. There was little chance of the Spurs striker missing this one as he chases the elusive 50 goals at international level, having equalled England’s all-time leading goal scorer Sir Bobby Charlton with his goal against Scotland to win the Nations Cup.

He is clearly an integral part of the team in Trapattoni’s eyes and the manager had this to say "I hope he beats that record in Macedonia, It's good to see Robbie looking so confident, his personality is very important."

Macedonia manager, Mirsad Jonuz has chosen an attack-minded squad in an attempt to awaken his side’s qualification ambitions. Strikers, Aco Stojkov and Bajram Fetai have been drafted in along with skilful playmaker Ferhan Hasani, the only domestic based player, who plies his trade with FK Shkendija in the Macedonian league. There is also a first time call up for teenage midfielder Stefan Ristovski who plays with Parma in Italy.

Republic Of Ireland Starting Team:
Goalkeeper: Shay Given (Manchester City)

Defenders: Stephen Kelly (Fulham), John O’Shea (manchester united), Darren O’Dea (Celtic), Kevin Kilbane (Hull City)

Midfielders: Aiden McGeady (Spartak Moscow), Keith Andrews (Blackburn Rovers), Glenn Whelan (Stoke City), Stephen Hunt (Wolves)

Strikers: Robbie Keane (Tottenham Hotspurs), Simon Cox (West Bromwich Albion)