Walters will lead the line for Ireland

Jonathan Walters has been entrusted to lead the line for the Republic of Ireland against Germany tomorrow night at the Aviva stadium, after Giovanni Trapattoni named his starting XI this afternoon.

With Robbie Keane confirmed out through an Achilles injury sustained in training on Tuesday, Walters has been handed the leading role in a line-up that is expected to switch from 451 to 433 when in possession.

He will be flanked by Simon Cox and Aiden McGeady, two players who while much maligned have been performing excellently for their clubs in recent months.

Elsewhere, the right-back berth has been handed to Seamus Coleman, with John O'Shea moving to centre-half. The Waterford man will also captain the side in the absence of Keane and Richard Dunne.

As expected, he will line-up alongside FC Toronto's Darren O'Dea, while Stephen Ward completes the defensive line.

Glenn Whelan's enforced absence because of a hamstring injury sees a return for Keith Fahey in the middle of the park, while James McCarthy is also handed a start alongside the experienced Keith Andrews in a central three that Irish management hope will be able to stifle Mesut Ozil and company.

Ireland (v Germany): Westwood; Coleman, O'Shea (captain), O'Dea, Ward; Cox, McCarthy, Andrews, Fahey, McGeady; Walters.