| Croke Park pressure on Ireland will
benefit Wales  By
Graham Clifford
Welsh manager John Toshack believes that playing the Republic of Ireland
in their first game at Croke Park will be a major benefit to his side.
The outspoken former Real Madrid manager has called on his star players
to give maximum effort on Saturday as he aims to add to Steve Staunton’s
growing list of problems.
Toshack said this week: “I want my top players (Ryan Giggs, Craig
Bellamy and Simon Davies) to forget the Champions League and Premiership
and deliver for us. They are crucial.
“I can set the side up with players from the lower divisions, but
I want these three to come up with the goods.”
Speaking about the importance of Saturday’s occasion the Welsh boss
said: “We are very aware of the history of Croke Park and what the
game means to the Irish people, we will be respectful and I will explain
to the lads how important and emotional this will be.”
Steve Staunton’s men will be gunning for their third straight win
and if they manage to beat Ryan Giggs and co. it will be the most impressive
result garnered by the team since the Louthman took charge.
The Boys in Green have an impressive record against Wales over the years,
winning 15 of the last 25 meetings between the sides.
Wales have won only one of their three matches in the group and lie four
points and two places worse-off than Ireland.
West ham pair Danny Gabbidon and James Collins have been called into the
Welsh squad for the clash. Both centre backs have been out injured since
January while Norwich City striker Robert Earnshaw is ruled out with a groin
strain injury.
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