Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni confirmed that Sean St Ledger will start the World Cup qualifier against Bulgaria.

The Preston North End defender only made his international debut last week in the friendly match against Nigeria, but did enough to impress the Ireland boss.

While the Italian would not confirm his exact starting line-up for the game in Sofia, he did state that it was '90 per cent complete' and he is just waiting on one or two players to prove their fitness in training on Saturday.

With St Ledger set to partner Richard Dunne in central defence, John O'Shea will be moved across to right-back to end the debate over who would occupy that position.

"He did well not only against Nigeria, but in the [Coca-Coca] Play-Offs as well," said Trapattoni at a press conference on Friday about St Ledger's inclusion.

"He can use both feet and is also a good option for us in the future."

Captain Robbie Keane also backed the 24-year-old to shine on his debut as he believes that St Ledger has matured a lot as a player and that he isn't going to be 'too worried' about him.

Trapattoni did state in the same press conference that Reading's Stephen Hunt was likely to start, which would suggest that either Aiden McGeady or Damien Duff will have to make do with a place on the bench.