By Ade O`Connor
June 3 2003

Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given and Bohemians striker Glen Crowe are both doubtful for Saturday’s vital Euro 2004 qualifying match against Albania. While Kerr remains optimistic over Given’s chances of participating, Crowe appears unlikely to build on his pair of caps for the Irish. Given damaged his calf muscle in training on Saturday and has sat out training since. However both player and manager remain positive over his chances of participation.

''It as very sore on Sunday night, but it feels a lot better now. I feel in my own mind that I will be fit to play.”

Meanwhile boss Brian Kerr reviewed the situation. ''He just felt sore in his calf muscle so we took the precaution of pulling him out,'' said Kerr.
''It does not appear to be that serious, so I am hopeful that it is just a calf strain.''
The Ireland number 1 will have a scan on Tuesday afternoon, along with Crowe, who looks to be out of contention with his knee injury.
The game at Lansdowne Road on Saturday will be key to Ireland’s progress to Portugal, though it will be anything but a walkover. Albania have proven to be stern opposition, making the most of a hostile home crowd, Kerr’s men will hope to use their own partisan crowd of green.

Monday night say the Ireland under 21’s play out a 2-2 draw with their German counterparts, with John O`Flynn opening the scoring for the Republic after 20 minutes.

But Germany hit back with two goals in quick succession as the clock ticked past the half hour, the second being from Thomas Hitzlsperger.

Ireland was determined not to be beaten and Liam Miller’s goal late on insured this.

The Republic of Ireland squad for the two European Championship qualifying games against Albania and Georgia at Lansdowne Road:

Goalkeepers:

Shay Given (Newcastle)
Nick Colgan (Hibernian)
Joe Murphy (West Brom)

Defenders:

Stephen Carr (Tottenham)
Ian Harte (Leeds)
John O'Shea (Man United)
Richard Dunne (Man City)
Gary Breen (West Ham)
Kenny Cunningham (Birmingham)

Midfielders:

Lee Carsley (Everton)
Matt Holland (Ipswich)
Mark Kinsella (Aston Villa)
Alan Quinn (Sheffield Wednesday)
Kevin Kilbane (Sunderland)
Stephen McPhail (Leeds)
Colin Healy (Celtic)
Steven Reid (Millwall)
Damien Duff (Blackburn)
Strikers:

Glen Crowe (Bohemians)
David Connolly (Wimbledon)
Gary Doherty (Tottenham)
Alan Lee (Rotherham)
Robbie Keane (Tottenham)