Team coach says Slovakia must winSlovakia coach Jan Kocian has said Saturday's tie against the Republic of Ireland is a must-win game for his side. The Slovakians, who lie fourth in Group D behind Germany, Czech Republic and the Irish, need a win to keep alive hopes of qualifying for the showpiece tournament in Austria and Switzerland next year.
The home team have just nine points from seven games, four fewer than Steve Staunton's men, and Kocian knows that a lot is at stake with Ireland also aiming to close the gap on the top two - they trail the Czechs by a point and Germany by six.
"All the players are okay and nobody has health problems," said Kocian. "I believe nobody will be injured before the game. We are in a situation where we need to win some games so we met before our next game one day earlier than usually. I want to be with my players a little bit longer because we need more training together. We have to find a good tactic which we will use against Ireland on Saturday."
Although all the players who have gathered in Bratislava are fit and healthy, a number of key figures have not linked up with the squad. "Our list of players changed considering the game in Ireland," said Kocian, looking back on the 1-0 defeat in Dublin. "(Martin) Skrtel, (Dusan) Svento, (Robert) Vittek and (Martin) Jakubko will not play in Bratislava.
"We have not many quality players like them so it is a problem for us for sure. On the other hand, we have to go through this problem and we have to make a good result."
Lehmann to start
Jens Lehmann is set to start for Germany against Wales on Saturday after coming through yesterday's training session unscathed.
The Arsenal goalkeeper has not played since Germany's friendly victory against England last month due to an elbow injury. "We assume he will train again tomorrow and will play against Wales on Saturday," said Germany coach Joachim Low.
Gerrard trains
The English FA have confirmed Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard returned to training with England yesterday. Gerrard's fitness has been the subject of intense debate in the build-up to Saturday's crucial clash with Israel at Wembley.
Despite playing only once since breaking a toe in Liverpool's win in Toulouse last month, the 26-year-old midfielder has assured McClaren he will be fit for the weekend.
Irish out for revenge
The Republic of Ireland under-19 side face Portugal for the second time in three days tonight in a friendly game at United Park, Drogheda (7.30pm).
With Terry Dixon injured and club-tied Celtic trio Cillian Sheridan, Graham Carey and Paul Cahillane unavailable, Seán McCaffrey's youngsters have yet to show their full hand at this grade.
"We were very unlucky not to reach the finals last year but I think this bunch of players could go all the way once we have everybody together," said Norwich City winger Michael Spillane. The Irish were narrowly beaten 1-0 by the Portuguese at Belfield on Tuesday.
Also tonight, the Republic of Ireland under-19 women's team play Wales in Port Talbot, south Wales.
Stam sale 'mistake'
Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson has admitted he was too quick to write off defender Jaap Stam.
"At the time he had just come back from an Achilles injury and we thought he had just lost a little bit," the Scot said. "We got the offer from Lazio - £16.5 million for a centre back that was 29. It was an offer I couldn't refuse. But in playing terms it was a mistake. He is still playing for Ajax at a really good level."
Fagan denies charge
Derby striker Craig Fagan has denied a charge of violent conduct in relation to an incident during the match at Liverpool on Saturday. Fagan appeared to stamp on Liverpool's Alvaro Arbeloa as the pair tangled on the touchline during the 6-0 victory for the Reds, although the incident was not seen by referee Alan Wiley.
