Giovanni Trapattoni has recalled John O’Shea and Kevin Doyle to the Irish team ahead of the European Championship confirmation party against Estonia – and rested Aiden McGeady.
Ireland, already 4-0 up from the first leg in Tallinn, are red hot favourites to win the return match in the play-offs and book their place in Poland and the Ukraine next summer.
Fit again John O’Shea replaces the injured Stephen Kelly at right-back while Doyle, now free from suspension, comes into the team at the expense of Jonathon Walters.
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Trap has resisted calls from the LA Galaxy to send his captain Robbie Keane back early ahead of Sunday’s MLS play-off finals – because Keane wanted to stay with the team.
But he has opted to rest Spartak Moscow winger McGeady with Hunt starting on the left wing and McGeady assured of second-half action as Dublin prepares to celebrate qualification for a major finals for the first time in 10 years.
“It is a big game and the fans expect a big performance but we must also be professional and respect Estonia, they have their pride to play for,” said Trapattoni after announcing his side late on Monday afternoon.
The Ireland team to play Estonia on Tuesday night is: Shay Given; John O’Shea, Richard Dunne, Sean St Ledger, Stephen Ward; Stephen Hunt, Keith Andrews, Glenn Whelan, Damien Duff, Kevin Doyle, Robbie Keane (captain).
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