October 5 2001

Clinton Morrison

Clinton Morrison believes he can score the goals which will help Ireland gain automatic qualification to the World Cup by beating Cyprus on Saturday.

The Republic need to win by more goals than Portugal, who are playing Estonia at the same time, to avoid a play-off match to get to the finals.

He said: "We need to get a better result against Cyprus than Portugal do against Estonia, and I know we can do it.

"It will be tough because everyone expects Portugal to top the group, but we have to concentrate on our game.

"I'm just pleased that Mick called me up for the squad but if I get in the team I know I can score. It's fantastic to have a chance of playing in a World Cup.

"Someone will be watching the Portugal game and telling us how it's going. There will be someone telling us what we need to do at half time."