Morrison up front for Ireland

Republic of Ireland manager Brian Kerr threw caution to the wind and named a strong attacking line-up in a bid to gain a confidence-boosting win ahead of next month’s vital World Cup qualifier with France.

Kerr opted for a three-pronged strikeforce against Italy at Lansdowne Road, with Clinton Morrison sandwiched by Andy Reid and Damien Duff, allowing Steven Reid to join Matt Holland and Kevin Kilbane in a three-man midfield.