UEFA Under-19 qualifiers First phase: While freshening up his team, as his predecessor might have put it, with a third game on Friday to come, his preferred option, manager Seán McCaffrey is nonetheless keen to put out his best XI, eager to ensure qualification against Cyprus in Larnaca this afternoon (1.30 Irish time).

Ireland's 4-0 win over Andorra on Monday, while the hosts lost 5-1 to Russia, makes Group Nine a two-horse race. But with two teams to go through to the second phase, beating Cyprus is the priority. Friday's apparent decider with Russia can wait.

Today's visit to the Xenon Stadium is sprinkled with nostalgia for several of the technical staff, bringing back memories of 1998 when Brian Kerr and his then under-18s were crowned champions of Europe.

Ireland beat Germany on penalties that evening after a 1-1 draw and McCaffrey spared a thought for that remarkable feat. "Being out in Cyprus with this squad this week really puts into perspective what Brian Kerr achieved here in 1998," said McCaffrey. "Dealing with the heat and playing against top-class opposition. To win that competition was remarkable.

"Ideally, you'd like to put out your strongest team as possible against the Russians to try to top the group, but the priority is to get through and that means beating Cyprus.

"Cyprus are big and strong, but their heavy defeat was more down to Russian finishing than anything else. They scored five times from just seven chances which is pretty impressive."

Steven Foley is out of the tournament with a knee injury. The midfielder didn't feature against Andorra. Andy Keogh, who scored twice against Andorra, should lead the attack again despite a knee injury. Midfielder Joe O'Brien (groin) and Ian Morris (foot) are also carrying knocks but should be available.