Luck of the Irish holds with just McShane out of Sofia match

 
The maths are simple anything other than defeat will all but guarantee a playoff spot for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa as Bob McKenzie reports for Sportspeak.eu.

Giovanni Trappatoni has proved himself as a gambler throughout his career and his latest roll of the dice will prove pivotal to Ireland’s chances of a trip to South Africa next summer. A win in Sofia would all but guarantee a playoff and give Ireland leadership of a group containing the current World Champions Italy.

Trappatoni’s luck looks set to hold on the injury front with skipper Robbie Keane Richard Dunne,Glenn Whelan and Shay Given all set to play through the pain barrier giving his team a spine of steel which they will need against a side that contains Dimitar Berbatov and Martin Petrov. Paul McShane has lost his fitness battle and will take no part. A draw would give the boys in green group superiority until the Autumn climax of the campaign when revenge will be sought against Cyprus in Nicosia after the 5-2 mauling which defined the ill fated Staunton disaster. The campaign will finish with back to back home matches at Croke Park against the holders and Montenegro when it could be a goal chase to pinch the group with the Italians entertaining the Cypriots. The match in Sofia is vital to ensure a springbok soccer summer.

Bob "The Voice" McKenzie Twitter: @BobTheVoice About: