International Reds

doubt about it. If we can win that, it would still be an uphill battle but we need to regroup quickly, get our good game-plan ready for Belgium and if we can go there and manage to get three points then we will be slightly back in it. That is going to be a big ask."

Robbie Brady will hope to make his competitive debut for Republic of Ireland away to Faroe Islands after Giovanni Trapattoni's team were thrashed 6-1 by Germany last week, possibly causing the Italian to have a rethink.

France coach Didier Deschamps expects Patrice Evra to be fit in time to play against Spain, in one of the biggest matches of the European World Cup qualifying campaign. "Patrice is a lot better," stated Deschamps. "He worked a little apart [from the group] yesterday, but we still have three days."

Antonio Valencia will be a key figure for Ecuador in Venezuela with coach Reinaldo Rueda admitting the Reds winger was missed during his suspension. "His return will be important for balance and dynamics of the team," said Rueda.