O’Shea & Potter fit for Republic

Republic of Ireland stars John O'Shea and Darren Potter will both be available for Wednesday’s Euro 2008 qualifier against Cyprus at Croke Park.

The pair both took a full part in this morning’s training session at Malahide.

Andy Reid did not take part due to ongoing problems with an ankle injury.

Goalkeeper Shay Given conceded the country has vastly underachieved for a number of years.

Since the 1994 World Cup finals in the United States, Ireland have qualified for just one championship in the last seven, despite the fact they appeared to have players to take them far.

But next summer, the boys in green will again look on enviously as 16 other nations contest the European Championships.

For Given, it is a galling prospect following the latest qualification failure.

‘We want to qualify every time, and expectation levels should be high in Ireland because we've some quality players,’ insisted Given.

‘I suppose that spans back to the Jack Charlton era when we were so successful and we reached nearly all the major championships.

‘We know the pressure is there for us to deliver and get to more major championships, and so hopefully we can get to the next World Cup in South Africa.

‘But I think we should have qualified more than we have done in the last few campaigns. If you look at the players then we should be qualifying.

‘And if you look at the teams that are going to be there next summer, it's frustrating to think we're not.’

The often-repeated excuse has been Ireland are in a transitional period under manager Steve Staunton who has blooded a number of new players.

Given feels it is wrong for Staunton to take the blame, adding: ‘The manager doesn't cross the white line.

‘It's down to us as players. We've broad shoulders and we have to take the responsibility as well.

‘Some of our performances haven't been good enough, so we have to stand up and be counted.

‘The fact the manager has gained considerable experience will stand him in good stead for the next campaign. It's a learning curve for everyone.

‘Obviously, it's been frustrating we haven't gone closer on this occasion.

‘But we have brought in a lot of young players, and it's a big ask for them to come into huge qualifying games and perform at the top level.

‘A lot have done well and they will learn from this experience and be better players which will help us in the next campaign.’