Trepidation as well as pride for Liam’s match

WHEN the announcement was made that the Liam Miller tribute match will be played at Cork’s Páirc Uí Chaoimh, like everyone else involved, I was of course delighted.

Now the reality is kicking in that the Republic of Ireland and Celtic legends’ teams will have to play in front of more than 40,000 spectators. I’m sure I am not the only one having sleepless nights in the build-up to Tuesday.

It promises to be a fantastic occasion and hopefully a positive one for Liam’s young family to raise money. There are some great names turning out on both sides and I am looking forward to it. There is also a benefit dinner in the evening. I’m looking forward to that much more than the game!

Bar the odd bit of five-a-side, I’ve not played regularly since I retired, and certainly not 11-a-side in front of a sell-out crowd.

The good news is that we have Robbie Keane, who only recently was playing competitively in India and Damien Duff, who is staying fit in his work as Shamrock Rovers Under-15s coach.

I think the plan will be to get the ball to Robbie and Damien. Some might correctly point out that there is no change there then.