Good news for the Irish from Lisbon, as two Portuguese strikers battle to be fit for the countries showdown on Saturday night in Lisbon!

Sporting Lisbon's Sa Pinto and Bordeaux's Pauleta are both struggling with injuries and are doubtful for the game on Saturday.

The two players play in the same position and Sa Pinto would be favourite to start if he overcomes his problems - but let's hope that he does not do that until Sunday.

With Nuno Gomez banned and the other two strikers struggling, Portugal's attacking options could be seriously hampered. But with the class of player that they have in midfield they will always be a danger going forward.

While Luis Figo plays in midfield he attempts at every chance to join the forward line or even get ahead of it. It won't be any one man's job to stop Figo because, while he usually starts on one of the wings, by the end of the game he has played in every attacking position.

Ireland's Jason McAteer and Kevin Kilbane will have to be extra vigilant in the early stages because that is when the world's most expensive players drifts from wing to wing.

Roy Keane is set for a battle royal with Fiorentina midfielder Rui Costa. Two of the best midfielders in the world coming face to face should be a real treat.

People have been knocking Keane's form of late, which is very unfair. It was said that he had a stinker against PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League but this is rubbish.

He was the only United player on the pitch that gave 100% effort but he was badly left down by the useless Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes who both continuously gave the ball away.

If Roy can win the battle with Costa then Ireland have a chance - but if the Portuguese midfielder wins the battle we are in trouble.

Come on Roy!