Ireland captain Robbie Keane will miss today’s game against Slovakia following his yellow card against Wales on Saturday. Keane’s absence means that Damian Duff will probably be captain for Ireland’s second game at Croke Park.

Manager Steve Staunton will be looking for another haul of three points as he tries desperately to win over the Irish fans and media. Some pundits in the media believe that he is doomed, even if he manages to qualify for the finals next year.