Robbie Keane will lead the Republic of Ireland in Cyprus

Giovanni Trapattoni has named an unchanged Republic of Ireland squad for the crucial World Cup qualifier against Cyprus on 5 September.

The Irish were beaten 3-0 at home by Australia in a recent friendly but are in a good position in Group Eight as they chase a place in the 2010 finals.

The Republic are currently unbeaten in their campaign and a win in Nicosia would edge them closer to qualifying.

They are a point behind leaders Italy but have played a game more.

The same Irish squad will be used for the friendly against South Africa in Limerick on 9 September.

The Republic will end their campaign with home games against the Italians and Montenegro in October.

Third-placed Bulgaria, currently five points adrift of Ireland, having also played a game fewer, still have to travel to both Italy and Cyprus.

Trapattoni's side won the reverse fixture against Cyprus at Croke Park in October when Robbie Keane's fifth-minute strike was enough to edge a tight contest.

Squad: Given (Manchester City), Westwood (Coventry), Murphy (Scunthorpe), O'Shea (Manchester United), Foley (Wolves), Dunne (Manchester City), Kelly (Fulham), Kilbane (Hull), Nolan, St Ledger (both Preston); McGeady (Celtic), Duff (Fulham), Gibson (Manchester United), Whelan (Stoke), Andrews (Blackburn), Miller (unattached), Hunt (Hull), Andy Keogh (Wolves), Lawrence (Stoke); Folan (Hull), Doyle (Wolves), Keane (Tottenham), Long (Reading), Best (Coventry).

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