Vice-captain Shay Given believes victory against Germany tomorrow would eclipse one of the greatest triumphs in Republic of Ireland history.

Ireland's 1-0 win over England in Stuttgart in the 1988 finals of the European Championship has never been forgotten and is part of Irish football folklore.

The Neckerstadion of 18 years ago has since been rebuilt and re-named the Gottlieb-Daimler Stadion, but the venue remains very much the same.

For Newcastle goalkeeper Given there is no doubt what success in Stuttgart would mean tomorrow as he said: "It would be better than beating England back in 1988.

"That was a famous Irish victory, and even landing here yesterday you could feel how much history that game made that night.

"It would be fantastic if we could do something similar in what is a massive game for ourselves and the whole country.

"Germany are a fantastic team right now. It's a great challenge to be playing a side that finished third in the World Cup, has a great group of players and are favourites to win the group."

Germany are also strong favourites to beat an Ireland side seen as in transition following Staunton's appointment earlier this year, and who were humbled 4-0 by Holland just 16 days ago.

Given was one of several key players missing that night, but with the big guns available again and ready to return to the frontline, there is a sense amongst the squad they can cause an upset.

"I watched the game with Holland at home and I was as disappointed as the players, management team and the fans," said Given, fully recovered from a back injury.

"As players we are supporters as well, and you want your country to win games and do well. But we are a small country and when four or five main players are missing, then it's going to be tough.

"What happened is history now, and with those players now back in the squad, we're a stronger team. There's a real buzz around the team, and in training this morning the tempo was really high.

"Don't forget we've our own fantastic players. We won't roll over and die, and we're not here to make up the numbers. We've come to get a result, and with our overall aim to qualify from the group.

"I don't care how we do it because we want to see Ireland playing again in a major championship."

Ireland have qualified for just one of the last six tournaments since 1988 — the 2002 World Cup finals in Japan and South Korea.

Ahead of this campaign, there is pressure already mounting on Staunton, and with some pundits suggesting Ireland have been punching above their weight for a long time.

"Everybody's entitled to their own opinion," countered Staunton today .

"I'm delighted with the squad of players I've got. It's not as if we can go out and buy anybody, so we'll try to get the young players through as best and as quickly as we can.

"Please God, over the forthcoming years we'll have a very strong squad, but we are a small nation and we can only do our best.

"We've been unlucky in certain qualifications, and it hasn't been for the want of trying.

"I guess we've probably always punched above our weight over the years, and I'm sure the players will do the same again, and rise to the occasion.

"As for the pressure, of course there's that, but then that's what football is all about."

Staunton at least has a full-strength squad available, although Clinton Morrison sat out training with a sore back, while fellow striker Kevin Doyle missed the five-a-side game as a precaution as he felt tightness in his right leg.

Graham Kavanagh and Liam Miller also missed training as they did not fly into Stuttgart until after the session after completing moves to Sunderland yesterday from Wigan and Manchester United respectively.  Agencies