Former Republic of Ireland midfielder Liam O'Brien has been handed the task of controlling midfield in Bohemians UEFA Cup tie against Kaiserslautern tonight at Tolka Park.

Bohemians boss Roddy Collins is pushed into the decision because of the suspension to Darren O'Keeffe but he feels that Liam will have no problem with the job he has to do.

"Liam's experience was vital in Aberdeen and if you are trying to keep it 0-0 then he's the guy you want," said Colins.

"He doesn't give the ball away, is a calming influence on the players around him and not bad at set pieces. He's a great asset to have in these games."

Bohemians go into tonight's game with only a skeleton squad. Mark Dempsey and Rob Bowman are out injured and Tony Hopper is ineligible.

Kaiserslautern also have problems. Danish international Michael Schjonberg and Czech international Petr Gabriel are both injured and Polish international Tomas Klos is ineligible to play.

Even with these absentees the Germans can call on a host of ho

usehold names for the game including Youri Djorkaeff and Vratislav Lokvenc. They won't take Bohemians lightly even though their coach, Otto Rehhagel, feels they can win the game. He said: "We must respect Bohemians because if you don't do that then you are not a professional player."

Bohemians (possible): Russell; O'Connor, Maher, Hill, Webb; Caffrey, Hunt, O'Brien, Morrison; Crowe, Molloy.
Kaiserslautern (possible): Koch; Koch, Ramzy, Roos; Basler, Komljenovic, Hristov, Grammozis, Strasser; Djorkaeff, Lokvenc.