SLAVEN Bilic has restated his admiration for the Republic of Ireland team although it is not clear his opposite number, Giovanni Trapattoni, would be all that flattered by the former West Ham player’s assessment of Croatia’s opponents on June 10th in Poznan.

“They are very dangerous although they are rarely in contact with the ball,” said Bilic in a reference to Ireland’s tendency to, er, get the ball forward at speed. “If I had to choose their best player, I would vote for Robbie Keane. He always knows where there is some empty space and where he should be. He is very smart and an excellent player in general. He is a leader.”

At the other end, Bilic suggested his strikers will have to pounce when they get the opportunity if Shay Given is to be beaten: “There is only a one per cent chance to get one on one on their goalkeeper. Against them you simply can not make more than one chance.”