Moran backs Irish central defensive partnership

Former Republic of Ireland defender Kevin Moran has backed the current central defensive pairing to impress in the upcoming World Cup play-off.

Giovanni Trapattoni's side play France over two legs next month for a place in next year's World Cup finals in South Africa.

Maintaining a clean sheet in the first leg at Croke Park will be a priority for the Irish before they travel to Paris in the hope of causing a major upset.

Moran believes the partnership of Richard Dunne and Sean St Ledger in central defence will be key to Ireland achieving their aims.