The ascent is harder now, the challenge to reach the peak more daunting. While the task may not be quite of Himalayan proportions, it will require absolute concentration and focus with no real margin for error.

Saturday’s fall is history now. No amount of recrimination will alter the result. The disappointment surrounding the events of that evening, must be banished to the backwaters of the mind and the immediate obstacle on the path to the summit faced with confidence and vigour in Torshavn on Wednesday evening.

The Ireland playing squad of 21 departed Dublin Airport on Monday afternoon and arrived in Torshavn just before 19.00 hours. The party travelled without Steve Finnan and Robbie Keane who were both forced to withdraw through injury.

Also absent was Andy O’Brien who will miss the match as a result of a most heinous miscarriage of justice. FIFA, the governing body of football, rejected the appeal made by the FAI against the suspension and that decision depicts them as an intransigent organisation requiring significant surgery to the morality of its disciplinary structure.

Ireland will be bolstered by the return of Stephen Carr and Roy Keane both of whom missed Saturday’s encounter with Israel through foolish though legitimate suspension. They are joined in the squad by Leicester City centre back Paddy McCarthy who played for the U21 team in Longford last Friday evening.

In the aftermath of Saturday’s draw with Israel, the reaction and comments of manager Brian Kerr supported by skipper Kenny Cunningham and endorsed by Roy Keane indicate that the squad will put their disappointment behind them and apply themselves to the immediate task of securing three points against the Faroe Islands. Despite the setback of Saturday, the destiny of the team remains within their own control.

The squad will train on Tuesday with a further light workout on Wednesday morning. Brian Kerr is not expected to name his team until shortly before kick-off on Wednesday evening. Speculation is already rife concerning the composition of the starting eleven with the majority opinion favouring the return of Carr to right back with John O’Shea switching to central defence in place of the suspended O’Brien. The other anticipated changes are the inclusion of Roy Keane in midfield at the likely expense of Matt Holland and the introduction of Stephen Elliott up front for the injured Robbie Keane.

It remains to be seen whether this is in fact what Brian Kerr chooses to do. The performance of Gary Doherty when introduced on Saturday last will certainly provide the manager with food for thought. It is not inconceivable that Doherty or indeed the potential debutant, McCarthy could be selected with O’Shea whose recent performances have not matched his perceived talent being vulnerable to exclusion.

We look forward to Wednesday evening with some optimism and trust that the travelling support which is anticipated to be in the region of 1,000 will lend all of it’s endeavour to providing the team with the optimum level of encouragement and assist the drive to reach the summit of the qualifying group.