Republic boss outlines Keane role

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND v COLOMBIA
Venue: Craven Cottage Date: Thursday, 29 May Kick-off: 2000 BST
Coverage: Live on Sky Sports 1, updates on BBC Online and BBC Radio 5 Live

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Robbie Keane will have a special role in the Republic team

Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni is to ask Robbie Keane to replicate Francesco Totti's role in his Republic of Ireland masterplan.

Keane was asked to play off striker Kevin Doyle in front of the midfield quartet against Serbia and will do the same against Colombia on Thursday.

"I want him to play a little bit between the midfield and the forwards, in a similar role to Francesco Totti.

"That's the sort of area I want him to play in," said Trapattoni.

The Republic will line up with plenty of attacking flair at their disposal with Aiden McGeady and Damien Duff supporting Keane and Doyle from the wings.

Meanwhile, Trapattoni has confirmed that Shay Given will be his number one goalkeeper when he returns to full fitness.

In the meantime, Dean Kiely will win his 10th senior cap against Colombia at the age of 37.

John O'Shea and McGeady will return to the Republic team for the game at Craven Cottage.

Manchester United defender O'Shea and Celtic star McGeady will start the game after missing Saturday's draw with Serbia.

O'Shea will replace Stephen Kelly at right-back with McGeady taking over from injured winger Stephen Hunt.

Richard Dunne is shaking off a foot injury and should be fit to start.

O'Shea and McGeady missed last week's training camp in Portugal because of United's involvement in the Champions League final and the Bhoys's Scottish Premier League title triumph 24 hours later.

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However, they arrived in Dublin over the weekend and have proved themselves ready to take their place in Trapattoni's plans.

"I spoke to McGeady yesterday about whether he can play or not, and he showed today he is ready, as did John O'Shea," said Trapattoni on Tuesday.

The duo's inclusion may be the only changes to the side that drew 1-1 with Serbia at Croke Park.