Cunningham hails Given
Republic of Ireland captain Kenny Cunningham is determined to see Shay Given repaid for the penalty save that kept their country’s hopes of World Cup qualification alive.
Newcastle goalkeeper Given emerged the hero from Saturday’s shambolic, yet critical 1-0 win over Cyprus in Nicosia, making a string of stops to underline his world-class status.
The most vital came in the 14th minute when Given turned aside at full stretch a spot-kick from Olympiacos striker Ioannis Okkas, who was denied on three other occasions in a one-sided first-half after Stephen Elliott had fired Ireland into a sixth-minute lead.
Despite the abject performance from a side riddled with nerves and missing three key players, the Republic are still in with a shout of heading to Germany for the 2006 finals.
The equation is now simple: beat a Switzerland side at Lansdowne Road on Wednesday who themselves need a win to top Group Four and qualify automatically.
It is certain Given will again have to be at his best, but now – more than ever – he requires his team-mates to give their all in a do-or-die encounter, with Cunningham realising they owe the 29-year-old a debt of gratitude.
“We would not trade Shay for anyone. He’s the best around – he really is,” insisted Birmingham centre-back Cunningham.
“You are talking about a great keeper who gives great confidence to the back four. You are talking about someone with great presence, and people normally associate that with someone who is 6ft 4ins and huge physically.
“Shay may not be that, but he does have great presence, while his shot-stopping is second to none and his decision-making fantastic.
“As a centre-half you know that anything big he is going to come out and clean up behind you, and not only against Cyprus, but in big games in the past he has come up trumps for us.
“We have to make sure that save on Saturday really counts for something. We must make sure we get the three points on Wednesday and then that penalty save will really count.”
Cunningham knows a major improvement is required if Ireland are to avoid a similar result when they lost 2-0 to Switzerland in the final qualification game for the European Championships two years ago tomorrow, ending their hopes for that tournament.
He added: “We will have to improve, it’s as simple as that. It’s down to the last game now and everyone has to play their part.”
With nothing less than victory required, the onus will be on attack, but Cunningham believes patience more than aggression will be the key.
“There’s going to be loads of emotion surrounding the game, and we are going to be pumped up for it,” assessed Cunningham.
“But it’s important we keep a cool head as well. We have to show a lot more composure when we are in possession of the ball.
“Obviously, it is going to be a partisan crowd at Lansdowne Road looking for us to attack, attack, attack. But we have to look at the bigger picture.
“Of course, we have got to look to pin them back and create chances. But there will be other times when we will have to be patient and use our heads and the experience we have in this team to see us through.”
But Ireland’s hopes received a severe jolt yesterday with the news Damien Duff is out after a scan revealed knee cartilage damage sustained in the game with Cyprus.
Right-back Stephen Carr also underwent a scan on his own knee problem, but that has come back clear, however, there is a doubt over Kevin Kilbane who is struggling with a dead leg.
Kerr can at least recall Crystal Palace striker Clinton Morrison and Tottenham winger Andy Reid to the squad after they missed the Cypriot clash through suspension. Sunderland defender Gary Breen is also available after staying behind for treatment on a calf strain.
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