Armenia v Ireland preview

Trapattoni: Confident

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The Republic of Ireland kick off their Euro 2012 qualifying campaign with a visit to Armenia on Friday.

Giovanni Trapattoni's side have not seen competitive international action since their controversial exit from the World Cup play-offs to France, and will be looking to make up for that hurt with an opening win.

Armenia enter the clash among the underdogs of Group B after finishing rock bottom of their World Cup qualifying group, conceding 22 goals in the process.

However, they went unbeaten at home against the top four nations in their group during Euro 2008 qualifying, a statistic which is sure to inject some wariness into the Boys in Green when they meet their hosts for the first time in Yerevan.

Italian manager Trapattoni is confident his team can qualify ahead of the teams in their group, which also includes Russia, Slovakia, Macedonia and Andorra.

"I am a manager for 30 years, and I never say to you I am sure," said Trapattoni. "But, in my heart, I think that maybe we can."

Ireland team news

Ireland have suffered injury setbacks with the absence of Damien Duff, Paul McShane and Keith Andrews for the qualifier, while Cillian Sheridan has been called up as cover.

But Trapattoni's side are boosted by the news that Robbie Keane and Richard Dunne have shrugged off injuries in time for the clash.

Derby man Paul Green has been named to make his first international start as he lines up in central midfield.

Defender Darren O'Dea is likely to be on the bench after suffering a knee scare ahead of the match.

Armenia team news

Forward Yuri Movsisyan could be poised for his full international debut after being named in coach Vardan Minasyan's squad.

The coach has also included a number of Under 21 players in his party who could be given the chance to impress.

Ireland confirmed starting XI: Given, O'Shea, St Ledger, Dunne, Kilbane, Lawrence, Whelan, Green, McGeady, Keane, Doyle.