Lawrence fails fitness test

Liam Lawrence failed a fitness test on a leg injury today so Keith Fahey started tonight’s Euro 2012 qualifier in Zilina in midfield as one of two changes for the Republic of Ireland from Friday’s 3-2 defeat by Russia.

Striker Kevin Doyle flew home at the weekend after picking up a knee problem and, as expected, manager Giovanni Trapattoni opted for Reading frontman Shane Long as his replacement, meaning Andy Keogh had to settle for a place on the bench.

Slovakia coach Vladimir Weiss made four changes from their shock loss to Armenia, notably Jan Durica in for suspended Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel, while winger Miroslav Stoch was only fit enough to be among the substitutes.

Slovakia: Mucha, Durica, Zabavnik, Karhan, Weiss, Sestak, Hubocan, Salata, Hamsik, Jendrisek, Kucka.

Subs: Pernis, Pekarik, Pecalka, Stoch, Holosko, Oravec, Sebo.

Rep of Ireland: Given, St. Ledger, Kilbane, O’Shea, Dunne, Whelan, Fahey, Green, Long, Keane, McGeady.

Subs: Murphy, Keogh, McShane, Wilson, Gibson, Foley, Cunningham.

Referee: Alberto Undiano Mallenco (Spain)