Ireland have match-winners to stun France says Burnley’s Coyle

by Lakshay Khan. Published Wed 18 Nov 2009 16:26

Clarets boss Owen Coyle believes Republic of Ireland are perfectly capable of upsetting the odds against France in Paris tonight and book their first World Cup finals place since 2002.

Ireland have to overturn a 1-0 deficit if they are to achieve that feat. However, Coyle believes they have players to pull it off.

He said: “I give Ireland every chance. They’re a goal down, but the nature of football is that you are always in the match and you’ve got to wonder how France will play it.

“Do they sit back or come out? As much as they are a goal in front, they’ll know that Ireland are very much in the game.

“Ireland have match-winners in their team and one of those players – on their night – are capable of scoring goals.

“If Ireland go through, it will go down as among the biggest achievements in reaching the World Cup finals – overhauling a one-goal difference against France in their own country.”