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14 Feb 2002
HARD FOR MICK TO TAKE HIS PICK

The Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy shares a squad selection dilemma with his England counterpart Sven-Goran Eriksson after his side's 2-0 win over Russia.

McCarthy saw his side overcome the Russian side with Steven Reid - a player from his former club, Millwall - boosting his chances of being named in McCarthy's final 23-man squad by scoring the opening goal after just 140 seconds.

The second goal was scored by Leeds striker Robbie Keane, who had experienced problems in front of goal during the Republic's qualifying campaign but notched his ninth goal in international football.

Ian Harte and Clinton Morrison also had opportunities to score before McCarthy experimented with the side in the second half by making no less than 12 substitutions, giving players like Colin Healy a chance to impress.

Healy did exactly that, picking up the man-of-the-match award and, even though McCarthy was delighted with his players he admitted: "My job has now been made even more difficult."

When asked about Reid and Healy, he said: "Their performances have given me something to think about because they have shown me they can compete at this level.

"But it was a satisfactory evening. We could have scored more goals. But I knew Russia are a very good side - and so they proved after we have got our noses in front."

Healy is playing for the Nationwide League First Division side Coventry even though he is on the books of Glasgow Celtic and he did well alongside the Irish captain Roy Keane in the heart of the midfield.

McCarthy added: "I know all about Colin and I've said before I would not go to watch him play for the Celtic reserves because that is not the place to see a new cap perform.

"Martin O'Neil let him go on loan - and, while some players go through the motions when they are on loan, Colin has done well. I felt he deserved his man-of-the-match award tonight because it was a great performance."

The Republic boss McCarthy has also made note of Reid's performance after the young midfielder linked well with Fulham's right-back , saying: "He and Steve Finnan linked up well down the right-hand side, and I felt Steve worked very hard."

Mick McCarthy

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