Liam Lawrence has been handed his first competitive start for Republic of Ireland in their World Cup clash with Italy.
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Liam Lawrence has been handed his first competitive start for Republic of Ireland in their World Cup qualifying clash with Italy.
The Stoke winger has been given the nod ahead of Stephen Hunt after impressing in the recent friendly win over South Africa.
Richard Dunne has been passed fit to be named in the starting line-up after recovering from an ankle problem.
Sean St Ledger has also shaken off a thigh problem to take his place in Giovanni Trapattoni's starting XI.
Aiden McGeady begins wide on the left in the absence of the injured Damien Duff.
Robbie Keane and Kevin Doyle will lead the attack, while Shay Given and Kevin Kilbane are poised to win their 99th caps.
Starting XI:
Given, O'Shea, Dunne St Leddger, Kilbane, Lawrence, Andrews, Whelan, McGeady, Doyle, Keane.
