European Cup Qualifier
26.03.2011 at 19:45 - Aviva Stadium
Republic of Ireland are without a number of key players as they prepare to take on Macedonia in an important Euro 2012 qualifier on Saturday.
Giovanni Trapattoni's men are currently second in Group B with seven points from four games, two points behind leaders Russia, while Macedonia are second-bottom with only minnows Andorra below them.
Trapattoni is expected to continue with a 4-4-2 formation, a tactic which has been steadfastly employed during his tenure, although this approach has been questioned of late following the 3-2 defeat to Russia back in October.
Apart from that slip up, the Republic have enjoyed a successful campaign so far and still have a strong chance of earning a place in Poland and Ukraine.
Yet the Italian will no doubt be worried by the number of players on the injury list and he is set to call on backup men to get the job done against the Eastern Europeans at the Aviva Stadium.
Everton wideman Seamus Coleman has withdrawn from the squad with an ankle injury, after being unable to train since linking up with his international team-mates.
He joins Newcastle striker Leon Best on the casualty list, with the Magpies hit-man also suffering with an ankle problem.
Absentees
Goalkeeper Shay Given and utility-man John O'Shea are both absent while defender Sean St Ledger does not make the starting line-up.
St Ledger has been unable to train since damaging a knee in a training ground collision with Ciaran Clark on Tuesday morning, and he will not be able to line up alongside Richard Dunne.
Celtic stopper Darren O'Dea comes in for the Preston man, while Kevin Kilbane starts at left back with Darron Gibson partnering Glenn Whelan in midfield.
James McCarthy could make his competitive debut for the Republic, although it will have to be from the bench.
Robbie Keane starts while Damien Duff has been passed fit after recovering from an Achilles problem.
Coventry goalkeeper Keiren Westwood will play between the sticks due to the absence of Given.
Rep of Ireland team to play Macedonia:
Westwood, Foley, Dunne, O'Dea, Kilbane, Duff, Gibson, Whelan, McGeady, Doyle, Keane.
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