Staunton and Suker share dream

Staunton (right) in action against Portugal in June

Republic of Ireland v Croatia - Lansdowne Rd (Wednesday 1930 BST)

Republic of Ireland defender Steve Staunton and Croatia striker Davor Suker share a common dream - a last chance to play in the World Cup Finals.

The two nations meet on Wednesday in what will be a crucial World Cup warm-up game for both sides.

The Republic take on Holland at Lansdowne Road on Saturday 1 September, while Croatia meet Scotland in an equally important decider the same afternoon.

Staunton will be extending his record haul of appearances for the Republic to 90 - meaning he is on target to be the first player to win a century of caps.

But he is more concerned with making it to the finals in Japan and South Korea next summer.

He said: "I'm only as good as my last international.

I have no doubt that our new coach Mirko Jozic can recapture past glories

  Davor Suker

"Those figures don't really matter so long as we get to the World Cup finals.

"It's great to be around when you see so many good young players coming into the Irish team with such quality.

"I have never wanted to depart from the squad and it is very rewarding that Mick McCarthy has kept faith in me.

"I remember what happened at Italia 90 and then four years later in America.

"It would be great if our young players could benefit from that type of experience - there is nothing to beat playing in the World Cup Finals."

Suker is also in the twilight of his career and holds that remarkable record of 43 goals in just 62 games.

At the age of 33 the former Arsenal and West Ham striker knows that this is his last chance of another World Cup Final appearance.

Davor Suker: Difficulties at West Ham

He said: "Last year I had a difficult season with West Ham because of all the injuries.

"Now I am not certain where my future lies. I could go back to a club in Croatia, but there have been enquiries from two clubs in England.

"We are a new young side and I have no doubt that our new coach Mirko Jozic can recapture past glories.

"Back in 1998 at the World Cup Finals in France I scored six goals and won the Golden Boot award. I want to do the same in Asia next year."

Republic boss McCarthy gives a place in his starting line-up to Millwall midfielder Steven Reid.

It is also likely there will be debuts for Manchester United reserve central defender John O'Shea and Crystal Palace striker Clinton Morrison.

Good signing

"I hope all the young lads who come in make it a really nice problem for me before I have to name my panel for our important Group Two World Cup match against Holland in Dublin in just 15 days' time," said McCarthy.

There were similar sentiments from Croatia, as coach Jozic said: "This game against Ireland is so important for Croatia.

"We have a young side and plenty of upcoming stars, including Aston Villa-bound Bosko Balaban.

"Bosko will make a big impression for both club and Croatia over the years to come.

"I think that he is a very good signing for Aston Villa."

Rep of Ireland: Given (Newcastle United); G Kelly (Leeds United), Dunne (Manchester City), Staunton (Aston Villa), Harte (Leeds United); Reid (Millwall), Roy Keane (Manchester United), Carsley (Coventry), Kennedy (Wolves); Duff (Blackburn), Robbie Keane (Leeds United).

Croatia: Stipe Pletikosa; Dario Simic, Igor Tudor, Robert Kovac; Zvonimir Soldo, Robert Jarni, Niko Kovac; Mario Stanic, Milan Rapaic; Bosko Balaban, Alan Boksic.