Goalkeeper Shay Given came through the Republic of Ireland's final training session at Lansdowne Road this morning and is fit to face Russia tomorrow.
Manager Brian Kerr revealed that Given had been struggling with a knee problem but has been given a clean bill of health for the vital Euro 2004 Group 10 qualifier when he will win his 53rd cap.
Kerr said: "Shay had a bit of soreness on his knee that is fine now. Training went well today, the pitch is in great shape and everyone is fit.
"I know my team and I've told the players and this is a huge game for us but only because we've done our stuff in the last four matches."
Ireland's group is still wide open with leaders Switzerland, the Republic and Russia still able to win and qualify automatically. If Kerr's side win tomorrow and also beat Switzerland away in their final match next month then they will win the group and qualify for the finals in Portugal next summer.
Kerr is hoping the "Lansdowne Road factor" will carry his team to within touching distance of the finals.
"The last few home games have gone well and we have won the matches. The support has been really good and the crowd has been really behind the team," he said.
Russian coach Georgi Yartsev was appointed only last week and he has brought back some of the veterans who had been dropped by previous manager Valeri Gazzaev.
Kerr will be wary of the impact a new coach can have. Since taking over from Mick McCarthy, his Irish team have won six and drawn one game, hauling themselves back into contention for Euro 2004 qualification.
He said of tomorrow's opponents: "The same group of players are there and the manager played with some of the players he's brought back in.
"He had a great career as a player and some initial success as a club manager. I don't know what impact he'll have but I am sure he'll have worked hard to learn as much as he can about us and make sure he is on the ball.
"Every game they have played so far they have had a go. We were beaten 4-2 in Moscow by this team. We had a lot of possession and a lot of chances but lost. We have got to look at what we have been doing and what we have achieved in the last few matches and look at trying to win this match.
"There is no danger our players will under-estimate them. We have spent some time with the players ensuring they understand the tactical variations that might be required if we decide to change something."