Hunt starts for Ireland

Stephen Hunt has been drafted into Giovanni Trapattoni’s starting line-up as the Republic of Ireland launch their World Cup qualifying campaign against Georgia today.

The Reading midfielder, as expected, takes the place of the injured Damien Duff in the only change to the side which ran out for last month’s friendly in Norway.

Wigan full-back Kevin Kilbane makes his 49th consecutive competitive appearance wearing a protective mask over his fractured cheekbone.

There is no place in the starting XI for Sunderland playmaker Andy Reid.

Georgia boss Hector Cuper makes four changes to the side which beat Wales 2-1 last month, one of which sees AC Milan defender Kakha Kaladze return.