Ireland v Cyprus is a crucial game for manager Trappatoni

Three points from the game against the Cypriots could virtually guarantee second place

First off, a word of warning if you’re crossing the big pond and flying into Nicosia for Saturday’s crucial World Cup showdown between Ireland and Cyprus -– Barney is in town.

Yes folks, the world’s favorite dinosaur and his cohorts BJ and Baby Bop are live at the To Skali Amphitheatre in the Cypriot capital all this weekend.

They’re even learning Greek for the purpose of their tour of all the major towns on the southern half of Cyprus, but I’m sure they’ll still sing their “I Love You, You Love Me” anthem in English.

Having sat through a Barney show in Clontarf Castle many years ago, I can’t say I’d recommend the pleasure to anyone looking for something to do the night before the game.

But the actor who fills the Baby Bop suit can rest easy –- he won’t be the only grown man walking around Nicosia in a silly green outfit this weekend.

Even though the recession has hit Trap’s Army, there is still talk of almost 3,000 green clad Ireland fans hitting the Mediterranean for the latest edition of the “Biggest Game Ireland Have Played Under Giovanni Trapattoni.”

I know we said that before the visit to Italy in March and again when we went to Sofia and drew with Bulgaria in June, but this game really is massive and for a number of reasons.

For a start, Ireland can make their draw with the Bulgarians really count for something by winning on Saturday night, a result that would all but rule the Bulgars out of the qualifying picture.

The three points on offer in Nicosia’s GSP Stadium would also effectively guarantee Trap’s team the second spot in the Group Eight table and a place in the November playoffs.

Trap himself believes that Italy will slip up between now and their visit to Dublin in October, and that victory over Cyprus could be the result to push Ireland closer to winning the group and securing automatic qualification for South Africa next summer.

All of the above is relevant –- bar the bit about Barney of course.

But really one thing matters more than anything when the Irish land in Larnaca Airport on Thursday and open the door to some 32 degrees of heat -– revenge!

Anybody who suffered through the 5-2 defeat the last time Ireland played on this sun-kissed Mediterranean Island will know exactly what I am talking about.

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Nster.com