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.

There are 99th senior international caps for goalkeeper Shay Given and Kevin Kilbane, who stand to complete their centuries against Montenegro on Wednesday night.

Italy are without the suspended Fabio Cannavaro, who is replaced by Nicola Legrottaglie, while Mauro Camoranesi, Angelo Palombo and Antonio di Natale are also drafted into the side which drew 1-1 with Ireland in Bari in April.