Uefa Under-19 Qualifier / Ireland v Latvia: Playing for the necessary point to ensure they are one of two nations to qualify from first phase Group Two isn't an option for manager Seán McCaffrey this afternoon.

With four points secured after a fortuitous win over Ukraine, and a rousing 2-2 draw against Italy, a further point will see Ireland safely through to the "elite" phase of qualification in the spring.

Italy meet Ukraine at the Valeriy Lobanovskiy Stadium in what should be an intriguing clash. Ireland's defeat of the hosts means they must win while Italy, like Ireland, need just a draw. An Italian win would see Ireland through no matter what the result is against Latvia, but McCaffrey will instruct his players to go out and win.

"The psychology, as far as I'm concerned, is that I must get across to the players that we need to win this match to qualify," said McCaffrey. "There will be no mention of a draw.

"When we went 1-0 up against Italy we still went looking for another goal. When we equalised late on we still went looking for the winner.

"I believe in attacking football. I think it's the only way to play. I think at senior level it's not the way to play all the time. But when you are trying to develop young players you must instill attacking principles in them. It's easier to get them to get organised and defend rather than getting fellows, who are used to playing defensively, to play with flair and creativity.

"So far overall, I have to be very pleased. To have got four points from two games with Ukraine and Italy is a great achievement. But we mustn't be complacent, because all that will be undone if we don't do our business against Latvia."

Cillian Sheridan, who scored Ireland's first goal against Italy on Thursday, is out with a back strain while central defender Garry Breen (ankle) and midfielders Michael Daly (groin) and Graham Carey (thigh) are doubtful. Corie Treacy will come in for Breen in central defence, Stephen Lawless for Daly in midfield while Karl Byrne will probably start up front.

Terry Dixon, as per agreement with his club Tottenham, will again be used as a substitute.

IRELAND (probable): Skinner (Celtic); Callaghan (Millwall), Donoghue (Sunderland), Treacy (Cherry Orchard), Fitzgerald (West Ham); Cahillane (Celtic), Lawless (Cherry Orchard), Carey (Celtic), McDermott (Man City); Byrne (Belvedere), Lyons (Crystal Palace).

Bannikov Stadium, Today, kick-off - 1.30pm