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Republic of Ireland will be looking to close the gap on Group B leaders Russia this weekend when they take on Macedonia in their latest Euro 2012 qualification match.
The Irish currently sit two points behind the Russians, well in the mix with regards to qualifying for their first major tournament since the 2002 World Cup.
It is very tight in Group B too, with Ireland one of three teams on seven points, so it is crucial they pick up the win in this home game with 5th placed Macedonia.
There are very few no easy matches in international football these days though, and Aiden McGeady expects a “very tough game” this weekend.
The former Celtic midfielder said: “It’s a very, very tight group. Before, you would have thought Armenia are a team you’d expect to beat, but we beat them in the first game and everyone was saying it was a bad result because we only won 1-0.”
“Now Armenia have got a lot of points and they’ve climbed the table next to us, so Macedonia is going to be a tough game.”
As for Macedonia, they will be boosted by the news that star striker Goran Pandev – who has scored 23 goals for his country in 57 games – will return to lead the attack. Recentley injured Goran Popov and Darko Tasevski are also back in the mix.
With regards to Ireland’s team news, James McCarthy has been recalled by Giovanni Trapattoni and will be involved for the first time since February 2010. Elsewhere, Keiren Westwood, Darren Randolph and David Forde will be fighting it out to replace the injured Shay Given in goal.
There is no doubt that Ireland will be favourites for this game, but the closeness of this group shows you that nothing can be taken for granted.
Victory for Macedonia and they are level on points with Ireland, while Trapattoni’s men could potentially top the group with a win, so it is all to play for in this crucial Euro 2012 qualification encounter.
