THE FIT, the fatigued and the walking wounded sat down in the Romanian capital yesterday in the knowledge that they could be living on borrowed time in this World Cup campaign. However, Mick McCarthy was still making defiant- noises about the Republic of Ireland's chances against Romania after supervising a 90 minute training session,

McCarthy will not have been encouraged by reports that Costica Stefanescu, the Romanian manager, believes this to be the strongest squad his country has produced in modern times.

Results give substance to that viewpoint. If Gheorghe Hagi is, perhaps, some way past the farm he produced in a spectacular exhibition of skills executed at pace in the World Cup meeting of the countries in Genoa seven years ago, the likelihood is that he is now supported by a more powerful team.

Ireland, on the other hand, have. A undeniably slipped in the last three years. I have not encountered such gloom in the approach to any game in recent times. In such unlikely circumstances are the seeds of heroics sown, but for all the history now being dredged up to bolster hope of an improbable Irish win, it is difficult to escape the impression of whistles in the dark.

"For some, it may be mission impossible but don't include me with that lot," McCarthy said. "I've never been a quitter and the competitive instincts of the players will ensure that we give it our best shot for the full 90 minutes."

Apart from confirming that he will defend with two specialist full backs, he is giving little away about the make up of his team. It's now beginning to look, however, as if Gary Kelly will be assigned the task of restricting Hagi on his return to competitive international football after a break of a year.

"I watched Gary do a great man marking job on Paul Merson when Leeds played Arsenal in an FA Cup tie and I've no doubt that he can give the Romanians problems," he said. If he achieves as much success here, I would be happy to go with 10 against 10. My feeling is that if we stop Hagi, we've got a chance."

It now looks as if Mark Kennedy another in line for a recall after a long absence, will play wide on the left and the manager may be prepared to go with just one specialist forward, Tony Cascarino, to facilitate the inclusion of Ray Houghton alongside Roy Keane and Andy Townsend in central midfield.

Significantly, all four casualties in the squad - Keane, Townsend, Cunningham and Richard Dunne here able to train yesterday and later McCarthy confirmed that Dunne was now a candidate for a place in central defence. At 17, the Everton teenager has made outstanding progress this season, but he is still unlikely to win a place in a World Cup starting XI just yet.

The more likely scenario is that Steve Staunton will be deployed alongside Gary Breen in the central positions, leaving Denis Irwin, and either Ian Harte or Terry Phelan to man the flanks.

Shay Given, Blackburn's reserve goalkeeper whose move to rejoin his farmer manager, Kenny Daglish at Newcastle now appears to be imminent, has been pushing hard far recognition. However, it is unlikely that he will replace the more experienced Alan Kelly.

I know the team I want to play, said McCarthy. "It's getting the players to adopt to the fluid game I demand, getting people behind the ball under pressure, and attacking when the option is there, which is the bigger problem. Romania, I feel, I will have a go and in that situation; they may just leave a gap or two for us to exploit."