Ireland go into tonight's game against the USA in the US Nike Cup with history and recent form against them. The Irish went into the tournament in 1992 on the back of a 4-1 victory over the Yanks at Lansdowne Road a month beforehand but still ended up losing 3-1 in Washington, with Ireland manager Mick McCarthy scoring the only goal.

In 1996 Ireland again came out on the wrong end of the scoreline, losing 2-1 at tonight's venue. Terry Phelan and Niall Quinn are the only two players in the current squad who were involved in both games. Most of the rest of the squad are inexperienced at this level and it could show in no uncertain terms against a good American team.

The Yanks easily accounted for South Africa in their first match of the tournament scoring four unanswered goals in the process. Former Coventry City player Cobi Jones scored twice, with Rangers Claudio Reyna and Earnie Stewart bagging one apiece.

If America play up to this form and Ireland play the way they played against Mexico, we could be in for one of our most embarrassing defeats. Ireland were terrible against Mexico on Sunday night and were lucky to get away with a draw. Mick McCarthy will be calling on a better show from his charges tonight if they are not to be swamped.

Little over 15,000 turned out to see America's first game but the crowd will be quadruple that tonight. Ireland have always been a big draw in the States and the organisers of the tournament know that: that is why they always get an invite back.

McCarthy went into the tournament with a severely weakened squad but things have got worse after their first encounter with Mexico. After a bruising 90 minutes Mick could have to do without four of his starters from that game.

Richard Dunne picked up a knock on his right heel, Robbie Keane was replaced at half time because of a swollen knee, Mark Kennedy was nursing his knee after the game and Jason McAteer hurt his shin. Stephen McPhail, Kevin Kilbane, Phil Babb and Dominic Foley should all start.