Keane set for playmaker's role for Czech Republic friendly

James McClean and Shane Duffy were named among the substitutes as Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni relied on his old heads for this evening’s friendly against the Czech Republic.

Darren O’Dea partnered Sean St Ledger in the heart of the defence with Richard Dunne injured, and Shane Long started in attack with skipper Robbie Keane lining up just behind him.

Czech Republic boss Michael Bilek included Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech and former Liverpool and Aston Villa striker Milan Baros in his starting line-up.

Trapattoni is using tonight's friendly against the Czech Republic as a chance to try some subtle experimentation ahead of this summer's European Championships.

Robbie Keane will be asked to play in a more withdrawn, playmaker's role tonight, while Shane Long will get a chance to show why he should replace Kevin Doyle as Ireland's first-choice targetman.

Trap believes that tonight's game is an important part of the team's preparations for Euro 2012.