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Page last updated at 17:09 GMT, Thursday, 8 October 2009 18:09 UK

Lawrence set for Republic start

WORLD CUP QUALIFIER: Republic of Ireland v Italy
Venue: Croke Park Date: 10 October Kick off: 2000 BST
Coverage: Full commentary on BBC Radio 5 live, updates on BBC website


Liam Lawrence
Liam Lawrence is being tipped to start instead of Stephen Hunt

Stoke's Liam Lawrence appears likely to start for the Republic of Ireland in Saturday's World Cup qualifier against Italy at Croke Park.

As was the case on Wednesday, the Republic's training formation on Thursday suggested that Lawrence would be preferred to Stephen Hunt.

Richard Dunne took a full part in training on Thursday and seems certain to start against the Azzurri.

Midfielder Claudio Marchisio is out for Italy becase of a knee injury.

Lawrence is in line to earn his starting role after scoring the winner in last month's friendly win over South Africa.

Dunne was rested as a precaution at training on Wednesday because of an ankle twinge.

Damien Duff is out of Saturday's game because of injury but could play a part in Wednesday's clash against Montenegro.

Darron Gibson and Steven Reid are also out of Saturday's qualifier because of injury.

QPR midfielder Martin Rowlands has been brought into the squad as cover while striker Caleb Folan had already been declared unavailable due to a hamstring injury.

The absence of midfielders Duff, Reid and Gibson made Andy Reid's claims for a recall look all the more compelling.

606: DEBATE
Submarine

However, Trapattoni opted not to call up any further replacements after Tuesday's withdrawals.

The unbeaten Republic take on Group Eight leaders Italy at Croke Park knowing a victory would move them to within one point of top spot, with one round of matches remaining.

Italy will secure their place in next year's finals if they avoid defeat.

The Italians are expected to rely on a Juventus-dominated side in Saturday's game.

Seven Juve players started last month's 2-0 home win over Bulgaria, which was the world champions' best performance in some time.

Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro is suspended for the trip to Dublin and his Juventus team-mate Nicola Legrottaglie is likely to play in central alongside another club-mate Giorgio Chiellini.

Left-back Fabio Grosso, who netted the winning penalty in the 2006 World Cup final against France, scored a classy opener against the Bulgarians while his Juve team-mate Claudio Marchisio did well on the left midfield flank.

Goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, striker Vincenzo Iaquinta and winger Mauro Camoranesi could complete the Juve contingent.

Daniele De Rossi is expected to hold on to his midfield berth ahead of the available again Gennaro Gattuso.



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see also
Given aims for return to finals
08 Oct 09 |  Internationals
Lippi chasing victory in Dublin
06 Oct 09 |  Internationals
Trapattoni extends Republic stay
25 Sep 09 |  Internationals
Trapattoni focusing on Italy game
06 Sep 09 |  Internationals
Trapattoni hails 'important' win
05 Sep 09 |  Internationals
Cyprus 1-2 Republic of Ireland
05 Sep 09 |  Internationals
Pick your Rep of Ireland XI
05 Feb 07 |  Internationals


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