Ireland seek to exorcise ghost of Roy Keane

Ireland manager Mick McCarthy will urge his side to banish the haunting spectre of Roy Keane in their World Cup opener against Cameroon today.

McCarthy's shock decision to axe his captain and only world class player after a bust-up, has left Ireland's preparations in disarray and McCarthy's position vulnerable.

Even though midfielder Keane will be watching from his home in England, his massive presence will hang heavy over Ireland's performance in Niigata as African champions Cameroon seek to capitalise in the first game of the finals to be staged in Japan.

McCarthy may welcome the chance to switch attention back to events on the field, but he knows only victory will be enough to justify his brave deeds at the end of what he called the "worst week of my life".

He told reporters: "Footballers have a wonderful gift to walk over that white line and forget about other things going on, and not worry about anybody else."

But given striker Niall Quinn's admission that the players have been left "shattered" by the acrimonious Keane affair, McCarthy needs to summon the spirit of 1990 like never before.

Then, as a player under former coach Jack Charlton, McCarthy helped inspire Ireland to a quarter-final place at the tournament in Italy in their best-ever World Cup showing.

A similar display of collective responsibility could save Ireland's blushes, and the possibility has not been lost on their opponents.

"Roy Keane is one of the best midfielders in the world," said Cameroon's German-born coach Winfried Schaefer.

"But it might not be an advantage for us that he is not here. Without him the Irish players might stick together even more."

The 1990 finals also signalled the rise of African football in the shape of Cameroon, who progressed to the last eight. Two successive first round exits in 1994 and 1998 may have stymied their progress, but few critics, having seen the Indomitable Lions earn creditable draws with Argentina and England recently, would belittle their lofty ambitions 12 years on.

"Our players are more disciplined now," said Schaefer. "But they are also talented with some natural leaders who are idols to the other team members."

Ireland's Mark Kinsella rested a knee injury in midweek and will be paired in central midfield with Matt Holland.

However, it is in attack - through Damien Duff and Robbie Keane - that Ireland will look to shine. McCarthy has even said that Duff, the quicksilver forward with an eye for goal, could be the "sensation" of the finals.

Probable teams...

Ireland: Given, Finnan, Breen, Staunton, Harte, McAteer, Holland, Kinsella, Kilbane, Duff, Robbie Keane.

Cameroon: Alioum, Tchato, Kalla, Song, Geremi, Lauren, Foe, Olembe, Wome, Eto'o, Mboma.

Referee: Toru Kamikawa (Japan).

On TV: Live on TVM, Rai Uno at 8.30 a.m.