Fulham pair Stephen Kelly and Damien Duff have been named in the Republic of Ireland side for their crucial Euro 2012 showdown with Russia in Moscow tomorrow night.
Kelly replaces John O’Shea who withdraw from the squad yesterday after a medical examination confirmed he will not be able to overcome hip and calf problems to face Russia. The Fulham full-back gets the nod over Kevin Foley having been left out of Friday’s disappointing goalless draw at home to Slovakia.
Duff will continue on the wing in Giovanni Trapattoni’s side as Ireland look to resurrect their Euro 2012 qualifying campaign. Following the draw with Slovakia in Dublin, the Irish are two points adrift of the Russians in second place and are level on points with Slovakia. After the Moscow match on Tuesday, Ireland face a trip to Andorra and a home game against Armenia.
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND XI (v RUSSIA): Given (Aston Villa); Kelly (Fulham), Dunne (Aston Villa), O’Dea (Leeds United), Ward (Wolves); Duff (Fulham), Whelan (Stoke City), Andrews (Ipswich Town), McGeady (Spartak Moscow); Keane (LA Galaxy), Doyle (Wolves).
