Kerr eager to give club fringe players a run out

WITH Graham Kavanagh ruled out and Roy Keane back in Manchester, Brian Kerr is set to partner Kevin Kilbane and Matt Holland in the centre of midfield for tonight's testing friendly game against Italy at Lansdowne Road (7.30pm).

In the absence of Robbie Keane, Clinton Morrison could be joined by Stephen Elliott up front while, at the back, Richard Dunne will line up beside Kenny Cunningham. With the familiar faces of Andy Reid and Damien Duff expected to the provide width on the flanks, Kerr will opt to experiment elsewhere from the start and off the bench as he seeks to provide football for some of those Irish players who are currently seeing little action at their clubs.

Despite expressing confidence on Monday that he would be fit for the fray, Wigan's Kavanagh was yesterday forced to return to his club for treatment on his injured foot.