Duff to miss showdown with Swiss

REP OF IRELAND V SWITZERLAND Kick-off: 1945 BST, Wednesday, 12 October Venue: Lansdowne Road, Dublin Updates on Five Live and this website Kerr relieved after victory Cyprus 0-1 Rep of Ireland World Cup qualifying photos Swiss optimistic for Dublin

Republic of Ireland winger Damien Duff is out of Wednesday's must-win World Cup qualifier against Switzerland in Dublin because of a knee injury.

The Chelsea star suffered a recurrence of an old problem in Saturday's 1-0 win over Cyprus and limped out of the game after an hour.

Duff has returned to his club after a scan revealed cartilage damage.

Midfielder Kevin Kilbane is a doubt with a 'dead leg' but full-back Stephen Carr has recovered from a knee injury.

Sunderland defender Gary Breen has returned to the squad after missing the victory in Nicosia with a calf problem.

Also back in the squad are striker Clinton Morrison and midfielder Andy Reid, who were banned for the Cyprus game.

The Republic need to beat the Swiss in their final Group Four game to ensure at least a place in the play-offs.

Manager Brian Kerr believes the backing of the fans will play a crucial role in his team's bid to qualify for Germany.

He said: "The situation is very clear. We need to win on Wednesday and if we win there is no doubt we will at least reach the play-offs.

"I am confident, if the players play to their full potential and with the kind of support we have had in recent games and the full backing of all those with the interest of Irish football at heart, we can achieve the required result."

Ireland are fourth on 16 points, one point behind Switzerland and France and two adrift of group leaders Israel, who have finished their campaign.