Two games against our two biggest rivals for a playoff spot are coming up and these next few days could well end up defining Giovanni Trapattoni's time in charge.

But first up it's Sweden tonight in the Aviva Stadium - a team with whom we played out a 0 - 0 draw in March.

James McClean will reprise the role he played on the left flank against the Swedes tonight, despite competition from the likes of Anthony Pilkington, Simon Cox and Robbie Brady.

Dan McDonnell started off by discussing Trap's choice to go with the Wigan winger.

"I suppose in some ways, it was his place to lose. McClean did play against Sweden in March and in the Austria game. He did reasonably well. Trap seems to fancy him in games where the defensive priorities are as much part of his brief as getting forward. He also seems to have respect for Mikael Lustig, the Sweden right back who McClean gave a pretty torrid time in March. Trap admitted that McClean's performance in Stockholm was a factor."

Sweden also play a 4-4-2 formation with Zlatan Ibrahimovic allowed to drop deep. With the opposition playing a similar formation and not being exceptional, the game could suit Robbie Keane.

"It's a very good game for Robbie, you would hope, as he could be utilized in the final third. His form is so good at the moment - seven goals in four games for LA Galaxy. But you get the sense he's had a little bit of a break, coming back energized and in good health. We could see Robbie Keane in better conditiion than he's been since the Estonia game."

Keane's form is even more vital due to Shane Long's struggles in front of goal and it is something that has not been lost on the Irish management as Dan explained.

"Tardelli said Shane has played very well but the first thing he needs to do is improve his finishing. I don't think it's inaccurate. Long has scored one competitive goal for Ireland and that was coming from three goals down against Russia. There have been some good performances in there but there hasn't been goals. But his pace will be vital against a Swedish defence that is a bit scattered.  

Sweden's Mikael Lustig with James McClean and James McCarthy of Ireland ©INPHO/Donall Farmer