Ireland's Man of the Match Shay keeps his eye on Rraklli's shot Pic:Sportsfile

There was disappointment in Tirana as a poor Republic of Ireland could only eke out a draw with a resolute and disciplined Albanian side.

It could be considered unlucky as the Boys in Green had the ball in the net twice in the last eight minutes only to see both ruled out, the first f r a nudge by Doherty, the second when Breen was ruled offside.

Despite that Albania had the best chance of the second half going close when Given had to punch clear of Tares head six minutes after the restart.

Skela began to rule midfield and caused problems for the Irish defence mainly around the edge of the box. On 53 he slid a ball into Tares and Carr defending almost puts it into his own net but thankfully saw his interception go wide for a corner.

Given was called upon again when he had to tip Rraklli’s 25 yard effort over the bar coming up to the hour.

Kilbane came close eight minutes later from Carsley’s knock on when his volley went past the post.

Doherty who replaced Keane after 68 minutes got on the end of a cross and knocked it down to Carsley who netted but referee Farini had already signalled a free out.

Next up was Breen’s disallowed header, the ball came in from a Duff free the right and was flicked on by Kinsella to the centre half who headed in off the far upright only to be denied by the offside flag.

Brian Kerr’s side now have e four points from four games and with Switzerland and Georgia also playing to a draw the group situation sees Russia, Switzerland and Albania above Ireland at the half way point.

The first half was an eventful forty-five minutes where Ireland could count themselves lucky not to be two behind.

Shay Given was called into action in the second minute when he prevented Murati from netting.

Kevin Kilbane came close for Ireland with an eight-minute header after Duff sends in a free from the right.

The ball goes straight at the 'keeper although it did seem as if the defender pushed him just as he connected.

In the 12th minute Given produced a world class save when diving full stretch he caught the ball from Rraklli headed attempt after he connected well with Duro's cross.


Albania looking very composed opted to close the Irish defence down as soon as possible and relied on the quick break then.

Poor final passes from the Irish side drew their opponents back at them and caused some nervous moments.

Thre minutes before the whistle Damien Duff shoots from 30 yards to the keepers left but Strakosha gets down to knock it away.

Moments later Rraklli is put clean through by Murati who disposses Carr on the left but he somehow contrives to make a mess and shoot wide.

Brian Kerr has made just one change to his side from that which overcame Georgia with a straight swap, Robbie Keane for Gary Doherty.

Kevin Kilbane was passed fit and with less than an hour to go before kick-off the Q Stafa Stadium is full with approx 200 Ireland supporters present in the 20,000 capacity.

At 22 degrees it is warmer than forecast with a very slight breeze.

The atmosphere is tense but friendly with the Albanian fans equipped with flags and ready to support their side.

Teams:
Albania: Strakosha, Cipi, Beqiri, Aliaj, Lala, Hasi, K, Duro, Skela, Murati, Tare, Rraklli
Subs: Beqaj, A, Duro, Dede, Bushi, Dragusha, Bellai, Myrtaj

Rep of Ireland: Given, Carr, O'Shea, Breen, Cunningham, Carsley, Kinsella, Holland, Kilbane, Duff, Keane
Subs: Kiely, Kenna, O'Brien, Healy, Doherty, Connolly

Referee: S Farina (Italy)
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