All eyes on Lawrence ahead of crunch World Cup tie

Liam Lawrence has been handed a World Cup debut as the Republic of Ireland attempt to keep their qualification dream alive against reigning champions Italy tonight.

The Stoke winger replaces the injured Damien Duff, while fellow wide man Aiden McGeady takes over from Stephen Hunt as manager Giovanni Trapattoni looks for the victory to ensure the race for automatic qualification from Group Eight goes down to the final game.