Brady promises a serious affair

SOCCER fans can expect a full-blooded encounter when the Republic of Ireland lock horns with Australia in the first full international to be played outside of Dublin in 24 years at Thomond Park this Wednesday night.
Upwards of 20,000 supporters are expected to cheer on Giovanni Trapattoni’s side at the home of Munster Rugby in their early season friendly with the Socceroos.
While international friendlies have come in for some criticism in recent seasons with several managers opting to field under-strength sides Republic of Ireland assistant coach Liam Brady has promised that the home side is taking the fixture very seriously.
Ireland will field a full-strength side for the game with the crucial World Cup qualifier with Cyprus set to take place on September 5.
“The manager has always tried to get it across to the players that there are no real friendly matches in international football,” Liam Brady explained.
“I think we have seen the friendly international have a bad effect on football in recent seasons with so many people changing teams at half-time.
“Our manager does not see it that way. He sees it as a preparation for the next World Cup game. It is important for that.
“I think it is for that reason that we go with mostly the side which will confront Cyprus in September.”
Not since 1985 when Flower Lodge in Cork hosted the friendly against Spain has a home international been staged outside of Dublin.
The Republic of Ireland’s encouraging group eight qualification campaign to date has put them on course for a high finish in the table with the three remaining matches to be played by October.
The friendly clash with Australia has a 7.30pm kick-off time and will be televised live on Sky Sports.
Tickets are still available for the friendly from Gleeson Sport Scene, Upper William Street in Limerick city, from big match venue Thomond Park and from Ticketmaster.
A number of soccer-related events have been organised in Limerick to co-incide with the big game including an FAI Football Fun for All Day at Shelbourne Park between 4pm and 7pm on Wednesday.
Australia head coach, Pim Verbeek has selected a 22-player squad for the up-coming international including several players who will be well known to fans of the Premier League.
Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer and Everton playmaker Tim Cahill make the squad along with Lucas Neill, who played for West Ham United last season.
Former Liverpool and Leeds United winger Harry Kewell, now with Turkish side Galatasaray, is also in the selection, as is Celtic striker Scott McDonald.

Colm Kinsella