Keane leads the line for Ireland's vital qualifier in Skopje

Skipper Robbie Keane led the Republic of Ireland into Euro 2012 battle in Macedonia after shaking off his groin injury.

The 30-year-old striker started the game in pursuit of his 50th senior international goal, but more importantly, three precious Group B points.

Keane lined up alongside West Brom’s Simon Cox, who was making his competitive debut after impressing in the Carling Nations Cup victories over Northern Ireland and Scotland, with only five of the men who started the reverse fixture in March included again.

Macedonia coach Mirsad Jonuz replaced goalkeeper Edin Nuredinoski with Martin Bogatinov following his personal disaster in Dublin, while Filip Despotovski came in for Darko Tasevski.

FYR Macedonia: Bogatinov, Grncarov, Noveski, Sikov, Popov, Sumulikoski, Demiri, Despotovski, Pandev, Trickovski, Naumoski.

Subs: Nuredinovski, Mojsov, Savik, Hasani, Todorovski, Ristevski, Gjurovski.

Rep of Ireland: Given, Kelly, O’Shea, O’Dea, Kilbane, McGeady, Whelan, Andrews, Hunt, Cox, Keane.

Subs: Forde, McShane, Coleman, Fahey, Long, Keogh, Foley.

Referee: Florian Meyer (Germany)