Mboma set to face Irish in opener

The Cameroon coach, Winfried Schäfer, is hopeful that his Sunderland striker, Patrick Mboma, will be able to play in his team's first World Cup match against the Republic of Ireland on Saturday.

Mboma, who has been suffering from a series of injuries, most seriously an Achilles tendon problem, had his foot examined and taped during a training session yesterday. "Patrick Mboma is getting regular treatment by our medical staff and independently he does training for his foot," Schäfer said. "His injury has stabilised. I'm very hopeful that he will be fit to play in our opening game."

The 31-year-old helped his country to the African Nations' Cup title in February, scoring three goals, and was instrumental in Cameroon's qualification for the World Cup finals.

Sir Alex Ferguson believes everyone should follow Roy Keane's example and give the Irish space to concentrate on their campaign. Keane's Manchester United manager was speaking as Scotland and Ireland's joint bid to host the European Championship in 2008 was submitted to Uefa, the European game's governing body.

"Roy Keane put it to bed yesterday and that is now where it should lie," he said. "My recollection of the time in Mexico [when he was Scotland coach at the 1986 World Cup] is of the amount of pressure on you as a coach and the preparation you need, the concentration you need and the time you need.I think it is so important that Ireland are allowed to do well. Roy's expressed wish is for that to happen. "

Ferguson also said he was not worried by David Beckham's seven-week lay-off. "I think he has been given sufficient time," he said. "He is a naturally fit athlete and I don't think this will be a big mountain to climb for him. He has got it within his capability to lift himself. He is a player who enjoys playing on the big stage."