Russian manager Dick Advocaat has acknowldged that his Russian side will be under pressure to contain winger Aiden McGeady. The Spartak Moscow winger who scored a goal already for his new side has adapted to the Russian League very quickly.
Advocaat said about McGeady on
http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2010/1007/republicofireland_russia.html
'I know him from Celtic and there he was already a great talent. He's a dangerous player. If we give him the space to play, then he can damage many defenders, but we are not intending to do that.
'I know they are very happy at Spartak with him. That kind of player, who can pass, who can score a goal, who can cross a ball, there are not so many players of that calibre.
'I was also quite surprised he has done so well. He has adjusted so quickly. He has only been there for two months and, if you go abroad, the majority of players need more time to feel comfortable. But from the beginning he was the key player of their team.'
Advocaat was bitterly disappointed with the defeat to Slovakia at home last week, but he feels qualification is still in their own hands.
He said:
'There is always pressure in qualification games but there is certainly pressure after the defeat by Slovakia. We know the importance of this game - a win or a draw but we cannot lose.
'We have a way of playing and if everyone is there we are a good team. They have to show they can play football tomorrow but they must also have confidence in themselves.
'I was really disappointed with the result against Slovakia but I was not disappointed with the commitment of the team.
'I have the feeling the players are in better form, the players are playing more regularly for their club sides so I have a much better feeling than I had before.'