News

Giovanni Trapattoni has named Richard Dunne and Robbie Brady on standby for Ireland’s biggest home match of the World Cup qualifying campaign, with Keith Andrews and Keith Fahey back in the fold.

By Declan Whooley

Dunne had been a major injury concern and Trap has decided not to gamble on the 33 year-old who has not played a single minute of action this season. Paul Lambert had indicated he will not feature for Villa against Spurs next weekend either and the Italian conceded it would be a 'miracle' were he to face the Germans.

After impressing against Oman, Irish fans will be disappointed to see that Robbie Brady is also on the stand-by list. He had hoped to battle with Aiden McGeady and James McClean for a wide berth. The much maligned Andy Keogh does keep his place in the squad.

Bolton midfielder Andrews is back in after serving his suspension and is expected to slot back into his familiar role in central midfield. Keith Fahey also returns to the fold after missing the narrow victory in Astana. Paul McShane also retains his place in the squad.

The composition of strikers remains the same with Simon Cox, Robbie Keane, Shane Long, Jonathon Walters and Kevin Doyle in good club form and pushing for a starting position.

Squad - Westwood , Forde, Randolph; O'Shea, O'Dea, St Ledger, Ward, Kelly, Wilson, McShane; Andrews, Fahey, Whelan, McCarthy, Keogh, McClean, McGeady, Coleman; Cox, Walters, Keane, Doyle, Long.

Stand-by - Dunne, Brady