IRELAND MANAGER GIOVANNI Trapattoni has named his starting XI for tomorrow night’s Group B showdown.
The Boys in Green need just a point against third-placed Armenia to secure a Euro 2012 play-off spot.
As expected, there’s no place for record goalscorer Robbie Keane who has been struggling with a muscle injury. But worryingly, the manager suggested that Keane may even miss a play-off next month should Ireland get there.
But, surprisingly perhaps, Trap has gone for Simon Cox ahead of West Brom team-mate Shane Long in the LA Galaxy man’s place.
Trap indicated that Shane Long’s pace would be useful late in the game but Cox will partner Kevin Doyle in a side that is otherwise as expected.
Darren O’Dea makes way for Richard Dunne at the centre of defence after the Aston Villa man sat out the trip to Andorra due to suspension.
Shay Given takes the captain’s armband from Keane.
The full team is: Given, O’Shea, Dunne, St ledger, Kelly, Duff, Andrews, Whelan, Mcgeady, Doyle, Cox.
What’s your verdict?
