Goals from Robbie Keane and Kevin Doyle in Nicosia on Saturday propelled Ireland to a priceless three points and although Italy beat Georgia 2-0 Giovanni Trapattoni’s men now find themselves facing a huge game against the Italians in Croke Park on October 10.
The Republic of Ireland take their first step toward that game against Italy next month on Tuesday night when Giovanni Trapattoni’s improving side host next summer’s World Cup hosts at Thomond Park - South Africa played Germany in an international friendly on Saturday and lost 2-0.
The Irish manager has long stated that the friendly against South Africa will be used to give some fringe members of his squad game time at Thomond Park - in keeping with that suggestion Trapattoni has allowed Shay Given, Richard Dunne, Robbie Keane and Kevin Kilbane to return to their clubs. In addition Stephen Hunt has returned home for personal reasons while Celtic’s Darren O’Dea has joined the squad.
The Republic of Ireland will train at Cooke Park (St. Michael’s FC, Tipperary) today while the South African players will become acquainted with Thomond park this afternoon.
Tickets are still available for the attractive encounter from fai.ie, Gleeson Sports Scene (Mahon House, 25 Upper William Street, Limerick) and the Thomond Park ticket office. Tickets are priced - schoolboy €7, North and South Terrace €20, East and West Terrace €30, East and West Stand €40, Child Stand ticket €20.
Slightly more than 19,400 soccer fans turned up to see the Republic of Ireland lose three-nil to Australia mere weeks ago at Thomond Park.
Republic of Ireland squad: Kieren Westwood, Joe Murphy, John O’Shea, Stephen Kelly, Eddie Nolan, Sean St. Ledger, Paul McShane, Darren O’Dea, Aiden McGeady, Damien Duff, Darron Gibson, Glenn Whelan, Keith Andrews, Liam Miller, Andy Keogh, Liam Lawrence, Kevin Doyle, Caleb Folan, Shane Long & Leon Best.
BRIAN MCDONNELL
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