Under-pressure manager Giovanni Trapittoni is facing growing pressure from supporters, former players and the media after a dismal defeat to Germany last week and his player selection.
But perhaps the most damning criticism of the Italian is the suggestion that he has now lost the dressing room, something he denies, although the reports of the mild-mannered Stephen Kelly’s dissatisfaction have been greeted as firm evidence to the contrary.
Ireland will revert to a 4-4-2 formation and three points is a must if the boys in green are to remain in contention in group C.
Ireland starting eleven
Westwood (Sunderland)
Coleman (Everton)
O’Shea (Sunderland)
O’Dea (Toronto FC)
Wilson (Stoke)
Brady (Manchester United)
Andrews (Bolton)
McCarthy (Wigan)
McGeady (Spartak Moscow)
Keane (LA Galaxy)
Walters (Stoke)
