Beware of Russia says Kilbane
September 08, 2010 16:51:09 UK
The Republic of Ireland must beware of Russia when the two nations play next month in their Euro 2012 qualifier, according to veteran Kevin Kilbane.
Kilbane believes Russia will be like a wounded animal when they travel to play the Irish due to Slovakia beating them in Moscow last night.
While Republic of Ireland beat Andorra 3-1, Slovakia beat Russia 1-0 in Moscow, meaning they will need to get the points when they travel to Ireland.
Kilbane said: "Russia will be coming here now a wounded animal and wanting to really put us under a lot of pressure to try to get their campaign back on track.
"But we are at home and we are going into the game full of confidence. We certainly won't get carried away, but we have got six points and we are happy with the first two games.
"Armenia are going to cause a few problems at home as well, but I think it is going to be between ourselves, Slovakia and Russia at the end of it.
"But it is nice that Slovakia have taken points from Russia. If we can take maximum points when Russia come to Dublin, it will give us an advantage.
"They are a really good side, they have got good players and it is going to be tough for us."
The Slovakia result was known to the Ireland players before they kicked off against Andorra, but Kilbane insisted he was not surprised by the score.
The 33-year-old Hull utility man, who played against Slovakia twice in the last European campaign, said: "Slovakia are a good side. I watched them a couple of times in the World Cup and they have got really good players, so I don't think they will be surprised.
"The Russians at home would have been expecting to take maximum points and it proves how many tough teams we are up against in our group."
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