Bratislava Pack

Meanwhile, over in rainy Bratislava, the proles of the Irish Republic prepare to face a team of Slovakian proles. A defeat is out of the question for Stan's men (to be totally honest, so is a draw) and it is refreshing to hear captain Robbie Keane affirm that the team are aiming for six points from tonight's game and from Wednesday's against the Czechs in Prague, an unusual degree of ambition for an Irish team away from home. Whether they are up to it is another thing however.