Sammon and Whelan named in Irish starting XI

Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni has named Conor Sammon and Glenn Whelan in his starting team for tomorrow’s crucial World Cup qualifier against Austria at the Aviva Stadium.

Ex-UCD striker Sammon comes into the side in place of Robbie Keane who misses out due to a calf injury he picked up in the 0-0 draw with Sweden on Friday.

Glenn Whelan returns from injury to replace Paul Green in the centre of midfield. Left back Marc Wilson has been named in the side but remains an injury doubt, with Stephen Kelly on standby if needed.

The introduction of Sammon brings the number of ex-League of Ireland players in the side to five. Speaking in Malahide today Trapattoni outlined why he selected the Derby County striker. “I think his quality can give support to Shane (Long). Physically he’s quick and strong on the ball. The last game he played he showed good quality.”

The Italian, who managed Red Bull Salzburg in Austria prior to taking the Irish job, is aware of the threat the opposition pose. He believes Sammon’s defensive qualities can also benefit the team. “We are at home but we don’t know what Austria will do. We have to think about if they are coming and pressing or if they stay and wait for us. With both players (Long and Sammon) we can have this opportunity.”

Trapattoni likened the inclusion of Sammon to that of Caleb Folan a number of years ago. People then questioned his methods but Folan performed and the Italian believes the inclusion of Sammon this time around will also be justified. “You or your colleagues (the media) didn’t know these players were Irish or good player with us. I think this player can give be very strong physically and very technical as well.”

The Republic of Ireland's home form under Trapattoni has been less then impressive and it is this form which will need to improve if qualification is to become a realistic prospect. The Italian believes this inexperienced side can continue to develop and build on the result in Stockholm: “I have a lot of trust in this group and I am convinced we can improve even more.”

Wes Hoolahan who impressed when introduced last Friday must again settle for a place on the bench. Trapattoni says that they have to analyse the shape of the game before deciding whether the ex-Shelbourne man can make an impact. “It’s possible to put Hoolahan up front if we are dominating the ball and playing in their space. I love Wes but the problem is also the opponent.”

The press conference wound down with Trapattoni warning the assembled media of the danger posed by the two Austrian strikers Marc Janko and Philipp Hosiner. Asked which will cause more problems the Italian said: “Janko has quality, while Hosiner is fast and similar to Long, he can cause a lot of problems.”

Republic Of Ireland starting XI: David Forde; Seamus Coleman, John O’Shea, Ciaran Clark, Marc Wilson; Jonathan Walters, Glenn Whelan, James McCarthy, James McClean; Conor Sammon, Shane Long.