Walters gets the nod to face Estonia

Jonathan Walters has been handed the task of partnering skipper Robbie Keane in attack as the Republic of Ireland aim launch their Euro 2012 play-off campaign with victory in Estonia tonight.

Manager Giovanni Trapattoni has, as expected, opted for the Stoke man rather than West Brom counterpart Simon Cox to replace the suspended Kevin Doyle for the first leg at the A Le Coq Arena in Tallinn.

Opposite number Tarmo Ruutli has made one change to the side which beat Northern Ireland in Estonia’s final qualifier as dangerman Aleksandr Vassiljev comes in for Ats Purje.

New York Red Bulls midfielder Joel Lindpere is on the bench after he ended his self-imposed exile from international football.

Estonia: Pareiko, Jaager, Stepanov, Piiroja, Klavan, Dmitrijev, Vassiljev, Vunk, Kruglov, Kink, Ahjupera.

Subs: Londak, Rahn, Voskoboinikov, Lindpere, Purje, Saag, Teniste.

Rep of Ireland: Given, Kelly, St. Ledger, Dunne, Ward, Duff, Whelan, Andrews, McGeady, Keane, Walters.

Subs: Westwood, Hunt, Keogh, Cox, Fahey, McShane, O’Dea.

Referee: Viktor Kassai (Hungary).