Keane and Doyle in for Ireland

Robbie Keane will be partnered in attack by Kevin Doyle when the Republic of Ireland face Australia in Limerick on Wednesday night.

Last Updated: 11/08/09 at 23:00

Keane: Will start up front with Doyle

Keane: Will start up front with Doyle

Doyle missed June's World Cup qualifier in Bulgaria with a calf problem as the team picked up a 1-1 draw which keeps them second in Group Eight.

However, the former Reading player has been cleared to play by former Republic boss Mick McCarthy, now manager at Doyle's new club Wolves, after he recovered quicker than anticipated following hernia surgery and he will pick up his 27th cap.

Shay Given is in goal behind a back four of John O'Shea, Sean St. Ledger, Richard Dunne and Kevin Kilbane, which is unchanged from the Bulgaria game.

Aiden McGeady and Damien Duff will offer options on the wings with Glenn Whelan and Keith Andrews in central midfield.

Manager Giovanni Trapattoni had hinted he may start with Darron Gibson ahead of next month's World Cup qualifier against Cyprus but the Italian has kept faith with Andrews.

The Republic currently sit second in their World Cup qualification group, just a point behind leaders Italy, and with real hope of playing in next year's finals.

Wednesday's opponents have already booked their place on the plane to South Africa and at 16th in FIFA's official rankings, are 21 places higher than the Republic.

Trapattoni therefore believes Australia will provide the perfect preparation ahead of next month's crunch encounter.

"It's a good approach match for us to prepare for this important game against Cyprus," he said.

"We know they are strong and have many players in England, Scotland and even Russia. They have lots of different personalities which helps them.

"We are preparing for this match with maximum attention, because the result is always important."

The Italian also denied Stephen Hunt's departure to complete a move to Hull had disrupted their preparations for Wednesday's game.

Hunt returned to the squad this afternoon, after flying out yesterday, and Trapattoni said: "No, in this position we have enough good players so it is not disruption.

"We have Liam Lawrence who can play there so it is fine."

Kick-off at Thomond Park is at 7.30pm.

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