SPORTSPORT 24 METROSPORT Thursday, October 8, 2009 D Certified Distribution August 3-30, 2009: 50,145 Published by Fortunegreen Ltd, Embassy House, Herbert Park Lane, Dublin 4 Printed by The Irish Times at Citywest in Dublin Editorial: (01) 637 5900 Advertising: (01) 637 5989 Classified: (01) 637 5979 Distribution: (01) 637 5901 Leinsters draw as tough as it gets, warns Fitzgerald Page 22 Were still aiming for top spot, says BradyBy DAviD kenneDy THE Republic of Ireland have not given up hope of pipping reigning champions Italy in the race to next summers World Cup finals, according to assistant coach Liam Brady. Giovanni Trapattoni leads his side into battle with his native country at Croke Park on Saturday evening knowing a draw will be enough for the Italians to top Group 8 and clinch the one automatic qualification spot. That would send the Irish at best into the play-offs, where the controversial deci- sion to seed the two-legged ties would put them at a disadvantage. The only way they can avoid that is to win their two remaining games against Italy and Montenegro next Wednesday and hope Cyprus can take something from Marcello Lippis men in their last outing, and that will be their only focus. Brady said: We have always wanted to top the group. Unfortunately, Italy have carried on winning. We had hoped that the Georgians might do something and then the Bulgar- ians going to Italy might do something. But it wasnt to be, so we have got to get six out of six and then hope that Cy- prus get something. Thats what we are aiming for. Brady insists any annoyance with the play-off seedings switch not be allowed to distract them from their mission. He said: We know that to top the group we need to get two wins and to get in the play-offs we need two points and nobodys taking their eye off that at all. With Lippis side needing only a point this time around, they know they are coming up against a team which has a happy knack of getting results just when it needs them. Brady, who spent seven years playing in Italy, said: I think Ital- ians always start off with a draw in mind and then see how the match develops. Defender Richard Dunne sat out train- ing yesterday with a bruised ankle, while Sean St Ledger also missed the latter part of the session with a thigh problem. Nei- ther is considered a serious doubt. Midfielder Damien Duff has already been ruled out with a calf problem, but could yet be involved against Montene- gro as Ireland await the results of a scan. Brady said: Damien is going to be staying at Fulham for another couple of days, and maybe on Friday we will make a decision regarding Montenegro. Midfield battle: keith Andrews (left) and Liam Miller contest possession in training yesterday Picture: Sportsfile Reids still holding on to Ireland ambitions Sunderland midfielder andy reid has not given up on his dream of playing for the republic of Ireland once again. The 27-year-old dubliner has been in superb form for the Black Cats but remains out of favour with national boss Giovanni Trapattoni, much to the astonishment of many. Trapattoni this week insisted once again he has not discarded reid (pictured) for good. However, having called QPrs Martin rowlands into his squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Italy and Montenegro in the next week in the absence of the injured Steven reid, darron Gibson and damien duff, the message remains clear he continues to be surplus to requirements for now, at least. reid, who is in fine form for his club, is philosophical about his exile, but is determined to force his way back into the Italians plans. He said: I have no control over being selected for Ireland the only thing I can control is to perform for Sunderland. That is the only response open to me. I cant sit in my house and worry about not getting in. I dont pick the Ireland squad. Im just concentrating on giving everything for Sunderland and hopefully the Ireland manager will notice my performances. as far as I am concerned, my Ireland career isnt over. I love playing for Ireland and if the opportunity came to play, I would be delighted. Kilbane 99 not out: Page 23 index.html2.html3.html4.html5.html6.html7.html8.html9.html10.html11.html12.html13.html14.html15.html16.html17.html18.html19.html20.html21.html22.html23.html24.html25.html26.html27.html