Three changes for Republic of Ireland

Manager Steve Staunton makes three changes for tonight’s Euro 2008 qualifier against Cyprus as his side seek to banish the memory of their humiliating 5-2 defeat in Nicosia one year ago.

Paul McShane and Stephen Hunt both return from suspension and go straight into the starting line-up, while John O’Shea is also back in a reshuffled line-up which is expected to feature Kevin Kilbane at left-back.

In-form midfielder Andy Reid passed a late test on an injured ankle to keep his place in midfield.

Stephen Kelly drops to the bench with Lee Carsley and Richard Dunne both suspended.

Rep of Ireland: Given, Finnan, Kilbane, McShane, O’Shea, Joey O’Brien, Reid, Keogh, Kevin Doyle, Keane, Hunt.

Subs: Colgan, McGeady, Miller, Potter, Kelly, Douglas, Murphy.

Cyprus: Georgallides, Satsias, Okkarides, Chrisou Paraskevas, Chrisou Paraskevas, Charalampidis, Marios Elia, Marios Elia, Garpozis, Makridis, Nicolau, Okkas, Yiasoumis.

Subs: Morphis, Charalambous, Lambrou, Theofilou, Theodotou, Michail, Marangos.

Referee: Mikko Vuorela (Finland).