LIVE BBC COVERAGE Republic of Ireland v Russia Sat 6 Sept KO 1600 BST BBC TV football coverage

New Chelsea star Damien Duff is set to carry a huge burden as the Republic of Ireland take on Russia in a crucial Euro 2004 qualifier on Saturday.

With top scorer Robbie Keane ruled out by an ankle injury, a lot of responsibility will rest on Duff's shoulders as the Irish go for victory.

The Republic will secure automatic entry to the finals in Portugal if they win their last two Group 10 qualifiers.

"It is massive," said Duff, talking about Saturday's clash at Lansdowne Road.

"Obviously Robbie is a big loss, he can always nick a goal. We need to win but I think we have the players who can do a job."

Manager Brian Kerr is expected to chosse Tottenham's Gary Doherty to partner Duff up front.

Meanwhile, the injury concern over Sunderland midfielder Colin Healy has eased.

The recent signing from Celtic took a full part in Thursday's training session at Malahide.

Healy, admired by manager Kerr, is a strong contender to partner Matt Holland in the midfield engine room.

Ireland are seeking revenge for the defeats to Russia and Switzerland at the start of the qualifying series which signalled the end of Mick McCarthy's spell as manager.

Under Kerr, the Irish have picked up 10 points out of a possible 12 from matches against the other Group 10 teams Georgia and Albania.

Overall, the Republic have gone seven games unbeaten with Kerr at the helm, the most recent success being a 2-1 home win over Australia in a friendly on 19 August.

Victory on Saturday would put the Republic six points clear of Russia and a point ahead of current leaders Switzerland.

Russia, who will only have two games left, then play Switzerland next Wednesday.