Albania hold Republic

Albania's Adrian Aliaj tackles Damien Duff of Ireland

Photos from Wednesday's qualifiers

Albania 0-0 Republic of Ireland

The Republic of Ireland failed to get the win they required to work their way back in contention for a place in the Euro 2004 finals.

Brian Kerr's side were hoping to build on Saturday's win in Georgia - a vcitory which brought them first points in Group 10.

But this hard-earned draw in Tirana leaves the Republic still trailing the group pacesetters Switzerland and Russia.

They will, however, be boosted by the fact that the Swiss dropped two points in Georgia while they were doing battle in front of an enthusiastic full house in the Qumal Stafa Stadium.

Albania, buoyed by their historic win over Russia last Saturday, posed the Republic problems in the early stages.

Ireland wanted the win, but manager Kerr may well be happy enough with four points from tricky back-to-back matches in Georgia and Albania.

Robbie Keane returned to the Ireland team as expected, replacing Tottenham club-mate Gary Doherty who had scored the winner in Tbilisi on Saturday.

Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given came to Ireland's rescue with a brilliant save in only the second minute, blocking from the returning midfielder Edvin Murati who looked destined to score.

Given made another save on 12 minutes, diving to catch a header from Altin Rraklli.

Damien Duff had Ireland's only real chance of the first half when he hit a fierce drive from 20 yards after 42 minutes, but Albania goalkeeper Foto Strakosha made a good save diving to his left.

Ireland brought on Doherty for Keane midway through the second half but they could not find the goal which would have taken them level with second-placed Russia on points in the qualifying group.

However, the group remains wide open and, with Georgia and Albania visiting Lansdowne Road in June, the Irish are by no means out of the qualifying race.

Albania: Strakosha, Cipi, Beqiri, Aliaj, Lala, Hasi, Klodian Duro, Skela, Murati, Tare, Rraklli. Subs: Beqaj, Albert Duro, Dede, Bushi, Dragusha, Bellai, Myrtaj.

Republic of Ireland: Given, Carr, O'Shea, Breen, Cunningham, Carsley, Kinsella, Holland, Kilbane, Duff, Keane. Subs: Kiely, Kenna, O'Brien, Healy, Doherty, Connolly.

Referee: S Farina (Italy)