Reds ready for qualifiers

05/09/2006 10:47, Report by Ben Hibbs

French striker Louis Saha will be looking to add another strike to his international tally following his goal on Saturday for Les Bleus against Georgia. France face Italy in a rematch of the World Cup final.

John O’Shea is expected to play his part as the Republic of Ireland look to bounce back from Saturday’s closely fought 1-0 defeat at the hands of Germany. O’Shea played in the centre of Ireland’s midfield as Lukas Pudolski scored the winner. Cristiano Ronaldo should be in Portugal’s starting line up to face Finland in their first qualifier, while Edwin van der Sar will be hoping to claim his second clean sheet following Holland’s 1-0 win against Luxembourg at the weekend.

Ryan Giggs can't wait to face Ronaldinho’s Brazil at White Hart Lane on Tuesday. Comparing the Brazilian number 10’s attitude to Wayne Rooney’s, Giggs admitted he was looking forward to playing against the world’s best. "Ronaldinho seems to enjoy everything, he's smiling all the time. You get players who are naturally gifted and that's how they are. Wayne is like that at United. It's like he's playing in a park without a care in the world. Ronaldinho is the same."

United youngster Jonny Evans has received his first call-up to the Northern Ireland senior squad for their Euro 2008 qualifier against Spain in Belfast, Giuseppe Rossi could feature for Italy’s under 21s against Austria’s under 21s on Tuesday night.

French striker Louis Saha will be looking to add another strike to his international tally following his goal on Saturday for Les Bleus against Georgia. France face Italy in a rematch of the World Cup final.

John O’Shea is expected to play his part as the Republic of Ireland look to bounce back from Saturday’s closely fought 1-0 defeat at the hands of Germany. O’Shea played in the centre of Ireland’s midfield as Lukas Pudolski scored the winner. Cristiano Ronaldo should be in Portugal’s starting line up to face Finland in their first qualifier, while Edwin van der Sar will be hoping to claim his second clean sheet following Holland’s 1-0 win against Luxembourg at the weekend.

Ryan Giggs can't wait to face Ronaldinho’s Brazil at White Hart Lane on Tuesday. Comparing the Brazilian number 10’s attitude to Wayne Rooney’s, Giggs admitted he was looking forward to playing against the world’s best. "Ronaldinho seems to enjoy everything, he's smiling all the time. You get players who are naturally gifted and that's how they are. Wayne is like that at United. It's like he's playing in a park without a care in the world. Ronaldinho is the same."

United youngster Jonny Evans has received his first call-up to the Northern Ireland senior squad for their Euro 2008 qualifier against Spain in Belfast, Giuseppe Rossi could feature for Italy’s under 21s against Austria’s under 21s on Tuesday night.