Irish aim to capitalise on Germany squad 'friction'

Joachim Low has admitted to "friction" within the Germany squad before Friday's World Cup qualifier against the Republic of Ireland following claims by Bastian Schweinsteiger that 'Die Mannschaft' lacks the unity of Bayern Munich.

The Germans, who will defend an incredible record of never having lost a World Cup qualifier away from home when they face the Irish in Dublin, rarely offer glimpses of disharmony within the team, often instead promoting an image of resolute togetherness.

But recent comments by Bayern midfielder Schweinsteiger, claiming that club factions were evident during Euro 2012 and that "the whole bench didn't jump up [to celebrate a goal] at the Euros" have exposed tensions within the German camp.

Schweinsteiger, expected to captain the team in the absence of the suspended Philipp Lahm tonight, has proven to be unrepentant about the controversy sparked by his remarks, saying on Wednesday: "That's how I saw it, and that's my opinion."

But manager Low insists he will not change his approach, despite Schweinsteiger's complaints. "He [Schweinsteiger] explained to me what his feelings were during the Euros." Low said.

"He gave me a piece of his mind, we had a fruitful discussion about it and he felt that maybe the odd detail could be changed for the better in the German camp. I told him I didn't have that feeling. He wasn't happy, but he came to the squad dejected with Bayern having given the title to Dortmund and Champions League final to Chelsea. It brought him down -mentally.

"In 2010 at the World Cup, the team spirit was great, but maybe in 2012 it wasn't quite so good. Some of the players weren't happy about being sat on the bench, [Per] Mertesacker for one, but that is the case when you have a squad of 23 -players."

Such is the strength of the German squad, prominent figures such as Arsenal's Lukas Podolski, Bayern playmaker Toni Kroos and Borussia Dortmund midfielder Mario Gotze are expected to miss out on a starting place against Ireland. But Low claims his players simply have to accept that they are not guaranteed to start every international fixture.

"You don't get a season ticket with the national team, not all players can play." Low said. "After Euro 2008, we said we needed to inject some competition. We had to bring young players through, but with these players now becoming established internationals, it is inevitable that internal competition has happened."

With Robbie Keane one of five -players missing due to injury, Sunderland defender John O'Shea will captain Ireland tonight, but manager Giovanni Trapattoni insists the injuries must be overcome.

"We don't need to look for excuses." Trapattoni said. "I wish to remember the final of the Champions League last season when the favourites were Bayern Munich. Bayern had 17 corners, Chelsea had three and Chelsea won the game and the Champions League. That is football."

Republic of Ireland (4-5-1): Westwood; Coleman, O'Shea, O'Dea, Ward; Cox, Fahey, Andrews, McCarthy, McGeady; Walters.

Germany (4-2-3-1, probable): Neuer; Boateng, Mertesacker, Badstuber, Schmelzer; Khedira, Schweinsteiger; Muller, Ozil, Reus; Klose.

Referee N Rizzoli (Italy).