Andrews - We can beat France in Paris

Published: 16 Nov 2009 - 07:20:41

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Ireland midfielder Keith Andrews believes his team can bounce back from the disappointment of losing their World Cup play-off first leg against France, and cause a huge upset in Paris on Wednesday night.

Giovanni Trapattoni's men trail 1-0 heading into the second leg, after Nicolas Anelka's deflected winner broke Irish hearts at Croke Park on Saturday night. It was not the result the Irish were hoping for, but Andrews remains positive.

- Ireland 0-1 France
- World Cup play-off fixtures

"That (a win) was certainly Plan A, but we have moved on to Plan B now where we have got to go to Paris and win.

"The main thing now is to keep a clean sheet - I don't think we will be going gung-ho in terms of throwing everything at the French team in the first half, certainly.

"We know we have got the players to score a goal. If we win 1-0 over there, then obviously, it's job done. It goes to extra-time and we would be happy with that."

Andrews added that comments made after the game by Real Madrid midfielder Lassana Diarra will not have any bearing on his team's preparation.

"If we needed any more motivation other than getting to the World Cup there would be something wrong with us." he said.

"It's nothing. The lads are fully aware of what he said, but we don't really need extra motivation.

"We are hell-bent on getting to this World Cup and it is certainly not over."

- Football.co.uk staff

YOU CAN FOLLOW LIVE TEXT COMMENTARY OF FRANCE v IRELAND ON WEDNESDAY FROM 7PM AT FOOTBALL.CO.UK