World Cup

[monks data]

World Cup | Qualifiers

Oct 12, 2012 at 7.45pm UK

Rep. Ireland Republic of Ireland
1-6
Germany

Keogh

Reus, Ozil, Klose, Kroos

John O'Shea: 'Germany more than just Mesut Ozil'

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter

Published: October 12 2012 | 09:21

Last updated: October 12 2012 | 10:56

Republic of Ireland defender John O'Shea tells his players that they cannot afford to just focus their attention on Germany playmaker Mesut Ozil.

Republic of Ireland defender John O'Shea has admitted that his side will have to contend with quality all over the pitch when they face Germany on Friday night.

Germany boast an array of attacking options that could trouble O'Shea's side, including Real Madrid midfielder Mesut Ozil, but the Sunderland defender has warned that Ireland cannot afford to concentrate on just one player.

O'Shea said: "He is a fantastic player, but if we focus our attention too much on one of Germany's players, they have plenty of others with the quality to punish you.

"I played against Lukas Podolski in the first game of the season, so I am well aware of his qualities.

"But if I was to go through the whole team, I would be here for quite a while talking about their quality and ability. We have to be on guard for all the German players."

Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni has named O'Shea as captain for Friday's match in the absence of the injured Robbie Keane.