Republic v Croatia preview

Republic of Ireland coach Giovanni Trapattoni's squad has been disrupted by injuries for Wednesday's friendly against Croatia.

Republic prepare for key Euro qualifiers next month

Republic of Ireland coach Giovanni Trapattoni has seen his preparations disrupted by injuries ahead of Wednesday's friendly against Croatia.

The veteran coach has already lost Jon Walters, Marc Wilson, James McCarthy, Seamus Coleman and Kevin Doyle for the match.

Doyle's absence will be a particular blow for Republic as he has been out since March with a knee injury.

However, under the stewardship of Trapattoni, Ireland have morphed into a well organised unit and have obtained favourable results even when under strength.

Shane Long, who recently completed a switch to Premier League West Brom from Reading, will step in for the missing Doyle.

And the Italian believes Long's move to the top flight will further his development as a player.

"I said to him that he can learn more from playing against stronger opponents," said Trapattoni.

Goup B

The Irish are currently top of Group B on goal difference from Russia and Slovakia. They have won six of their seven games in 2011 and go into this friendly on the back of four consecutive wins.

Wednesday's match against Croatia will serve as ideal preparation for their double header next month against Slovakia on September 2nd and Russia four days later in Moscow.

Robbie Keane will partner Long and although his future at club level is uncertain, he remains Ireland's undisputed talisman.

"In important games we need important players and Robbie is very important for us," Trapattoni told www.fai.ie.

"The international shirt is very heavy, it's not a simple shirt - it carries responsibility. And Robbie is not only a famous player but one who inspires respect among opponents."

Croatia manager Slaven Bilic is aware his team will face a stern test against the Irish and has praised the organisational skills of his opposite number.

And Bilic is adamant he is not taking this game lightly as he too continues Croatia's preparations for their Euro 2012 campaign.

Prepare

"I watched Ireland's last few games to prepare for this match and they were good in every one of them," Bilic said.

"They won most of them and they really impressed me. I am looking forward to the game, because it will be like a real qualification game."

Luka Modric has been linked with a move to Chelsea from Tottenham all summer but the former West Ham stopper has no fears about the mind state of his mercurial midfielder.

"Of course I have spoken to Luka," he added. "He is good in his head, but you have to ask Luka about this thing.

"It is between us of course, but I am sure that tomorrow night he will be concentrating on his football."