Hunt has made only one competitive start for the Republic

Stephen Hunt will replace the injured Damien Duff in the Republic of Ireland team for Saturday's World Cup qualifier against Georgia.

Republic manager Giovanni Trapattoni has chosen the Reading winger while Stoke's Glenn Whelan is again preferred to Andy Reid in central midfield.

Kevin Kilbane will start despite fracturing his cheekbone last weekend.

Kilbane wore a protective mask in training on Thursday and emerged from the session unscathed.

The Wigan player, who sustained the injury while playing against Hull last Saturday, had surgery on Sunday but he insisted on making himself available for the opening World Cup qualifier.

Hunt will be making just his second competitive start for his country.

His inclusion for the injured Duff in the only change from last month's 1-1 friendly draw against Norway in Oslo.

Trapattoni appears to have no fears over Hunt's ability to perform in the crucial test.

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"He is a young player with 100% enthusiasm," said the Republic manager.

"He helps all his colleagues on the pitch. He understands that he can track back or play in front."

Hunt is likely to line up on the right, but interchange with Aiden McGeady as Duff and the Celtic player did in last month's friendly draw in Norway.

Trapattoni confirmed his team prior to the squad's departure to Germany on Thursday.

The game at the weekend is being played at a neutral venue because of the political situation in Georgia.

Around 5,000 Irish fans are expected to be in the stadium - which holds 20,000, but only 10,000 seated - with the Georgians having around half as many tickets.

The Georgia game is followed next Wednesday by another tricky trip to Montenegro.