Ireland, who sit second in their World Cup qualifying group, host Cyprus this Wednesday in what looks a fairly straight forward task.

Blackburn Rovers striker Roque Santa Cruz has admitted he would be interested in joining Manchester City.

Santa Cruz has been linked with City for some time with Eastlands manager Mark Hughes eager to be reunited with the striker following their success together at Ewood Park.

City had a bid turned down for Santa Cruz last summer and reports suggest they could make a fresh bid for the Paraguayan striker when the transfer window reopens in January.

“Manchester City is a team that has a very important financial support that is getting prepared for winning the title,” Santa Cruz told radio station Primero de Marzo.

“I am very happy at Blackburn but I like the idea of playing for a team that will be fighting for important objectives.

“I will keep on doing what I do at Blackburn but if the coach of Manchester City is interested in me I would like to join Robinho in that team. He is a wonderful player and I would like to play next to him.”

Ireland, who sit second in their World Cup qualifying group, host Cyprus this Wednesday in what looks a fairly straight forward task.