Trap pairs Keane with Long in attack

Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni paired captain Robbie Keane with new West Brom striker Shane Long in attack for this evening’s friendly against Croatia at the Aviva Stadium.

Although a string of players had withdrawn from his squad due to injury in the build-up to the game, Trapattoni was able to name a relatively strong side, featuring the likes of Shay Given, Richard Dunne and Damien Duff.

Having won their last four games, the Republic were looking to keep up the momentum ahead of their Euro 2012 qualifying double-header against Slovakia and Russia next month with a positive performance against the Croatians, whose starting line-up included Tottenham trio Luka Modric, Niko Kranjcar and Vedran Corluka.