Ireland willing to play through pain barrier
Sunday, 25 March 2007
Hero Stephen Ireland is willing to go through the pain barrier to keep the Republic of Ireland on track for the Euro 2008 finals.
The Manchester City midfielder was taken off in the 59th minute of yesterday's 1-0 qualifying victory over Wales at Croke Park with a thigh injury.
He left the pitch to a rousing ovation from almost 70,000 Irish fans after scoring the 39th-minute goal that proved enough for a third successive Group D win.
The three points keep boss Steve Staunton's side in the qualifying hunt ahead of another vital clash at home to Slovakia on Wednesday.
It is a game Ireland does not want to miss, and he is confident of playing his part.
He said: 'I've a great chance. I'm having a scan to double-check things, but it's not as severe as it was yesterday. There's just more of a tightness now.
'I'm receiving a lot of treatment, hot towels and I've been in for an ice bath. I should be okay for training tomorrow.
'But I'm desperate to be involved. These are once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, and you don't want to miss out.
'I can play through pain barrier. A lot of players can, so I'm willing to do that and go again.'
After scoring his third goal in successive appearances, and his second match-winner after his late strike in San Marino, Ireland is again the toast of a nation.
He added: 'I woke up with a smile on my face today. I was really happy.
'I've been receiving loads of text messages off my friends and stuff like that. It's just a dream at the moment.'
Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given is to undergo a scan after taking a knock on his knee in denying Craig Bellamy in the first half of what was largely a poor game.
The Republic are level on points with second-placed Czech Republic - who have played a game less - following their defeat to Germany last night.
That was a result that delighted Staunton, who said: 'The Germans have a strong squad.
'They've had the same set of players for the last four years, so they know each other inside out.
'We know from playing them they are a strong, physical team with plenty of skill, and hopefully now they will go on and win every game bar one.
'But it's down to ourselves and what we do. We know the Slovaks aren't going to be easy. It's going to be a big test for us.
'We've some tough games left in the group, but this young squad is growing stronger day by day, week by week and month by month.
'The more criticism they get, it's making them stronger, so things are looking well.'
- Sport features: Man-of-the-match Stephen Ireland talks to Soccer Correspondent Tony O'Donoghue about his historic goal in the 1-0 Euro 2008 Group D qualifier against Wales at Croke Park
- Sport features: Team captain Robbie Keane says he is 'disappointed and devastated' by the yellow card that rules him out of Wednesday's clash with Slovakia
- Sport features: Irish manager Steve Staunton says that his charges made life difficult for themselves against the Welsh
