After two draws in the US Nike Cup Ireland have a chance of finishing with a win when they face a young South African team on Sunday at the Giants Stadium in New York. If McCarthy's young charges cannot get a win against South Africa, who have rolled over against both the USA and Mexico, he will be very disappointed.

If USA and Mexico draw on Sunday it will leave the door open for the Irish to win the US Cup at the third attempt but they would have to score a bucketful of goals against South Africa - which does not seem likely.

The USA have a plus-four goal difference so the Irish would need to win by at least that amount if they are going to achieve this. McCarthy will give his team the best chance he can by starting the game with his two first choice forwards, Niall Quinn and Robbie Keane.

Shay Given will take up the goalkeeping duties for the game as Mick fulfils his promise to give his three goalkeepers a game each.

"I wish I had three players of Shay (Given), Alan (Kelly) and Dean's (Kiely) calibre in every position," said McCarthy. "With 22 players in my squad for the World Cup qualifiers I'll probably include all three for the games against Holland and Portugal.

"Shay was unlucky to be injured 12 months ago and he was in pole position at one stage. But it underlines how well we are off in this position."