Finnan to start against Germans

Steve Finnan has been given a starting place in the Ireland team to play Germany today.

The Fulham right-back was a surprise omission in the opening Group E game against Cameroon on Saturday as Gary Kelly started in the Irish defence.

But now both Kelly and Finnan will start against the Germans with injured midfielder Jason McAteer missing out.

Germany are to field the same team which started their opening match against Saudi Arabia.

Rep of Ireland: Given, Finnan, Breen, Staunton, Harte; Gary Kelly, Holland, Kilbane, Kinsella, Duff, Robbie Keane.

Subs: Carsley, Connolly, Cunningham, Dunne, Alan Kelly, Kiely, McAteer, Morrison, O'Brien, Quinn, Reid.

Germany: Kahn, Frings, Linke, Metzelder, Ziege, Schneider, Ramelow, Hamann, Ballack, Jancker, Klose

Subs: Asamoah, Baumann, Bierhoff, Bode, Bohme, Butt, Jeremies, Kehl, Lehmann, Neuville, Rehmer, Ricken.