Republic motivated insists Givens

Don Givens is in temporary charge of the Republic of Ireland

Wales v Republic of Ireland
Millennium Stadium, Cardiff
Saturday, 17 November
Kick-off: 1500 GMT
Live coverage on Sky Sports 3, BBC Radio Wales, Radio Cymru & the BBC Sport website.

Coverage details

Republic of Ireland caretaker manager Don Givens has insisted that his squad will be motivated in Saturday's Euro 2008 qualifier against Wales.

Neither side can qualify for next year's finals but Givens believes that the game is "far from meaningless".

"Obviously we are a few bodies short, but I don't expect there to be a problem," said Givens.

"I expect us to to be up, and once that national anthem goes on Saturday, they will know what it's all about."

606: DEBATE Give your thoughts ahead of the Wales v Republic of Ireland clash

Givens says that morale in the Republic squad remains good despite Steve Staunton's departure last month.

"We are obviously hoping to finish the campaign with a positive result.

"These players don't want to be dwelling on a bad performance for three months before the next game.

"That's what happens in international football. You can't get it out of your system. You are stuck with it for months.

"But these boys don't want it, and I don't want it, so we will be giving it the best we can to get that third spot.

"So we have to have a bit of pride when we look at the group after this is over and not be cringing."