Morrison to partner Duff up front

Republic of Ireland v Russia

The Republic of Ireland were hoping to take a giant step towards qualifying for next summer’s European Championship finals in Portugal by beating Russia at Lansdowne Road today.

If Brian Kerr’s men could secure victory by a three-goal margin it would guarantee them at least a play-off place.

Captain Kenny Cunningham reached a personal milestone as he won his 50th cap in a familiar looking back four.

Colin Healy partnered Matt Holland in the centre of midfield with Everton’s Lee Carsley on the right, while Clinton Morrison got the nod alongside Damien Duff in attack.

Rep of Ireland: Given, Carr, Breen, Cunningham, O’Shea, Carsley, Holland, Healy, Kilbane, Duff, Morrison.

Subs: Colgan, Finnan, Harte, Reid, Kinsella, Connolly, Doherty.

Russia: Ovchinnikov, Sennikov, Evseev, Smertin, Alenitchev, Ignashevich, Onopko, Gusev, Boulykin, Mostovoi, Esipov.

Subs: Malafeev, Nizhegorodov, Aldonin, Radimov, Loskov, Sychev, Kerzhakov.

Referee: M Lubos (Slovakia)