Irish show confidence in duo
Damien Duff and Robbie Keane will start up front for the Republic of Ireland on Saturday despite having less than two hours of Premiership football behind them this season.
Irish manager Brain Kerr will put his faith in the duo for the World Cup qualifier against Cyprus at Lansdowne Road.
Duff proved his recovery from dislocating his shoulder twice in the space of six months by playing the full 90 minutes in the Republic's last friendly against Bulgaria.
But his only run-out for Chelsea has been a 33-minute substitute appearance against Southampton on Saturday.
Keane only returned to action for Tottenham a week ago following an ankle ligament injury but Kerr is confident he is now fit again.
"Knowing Robbie's injury, I always felt there was a decent amount of time for him to return," Kerr said.
"I believed there would be a chance - but I didn't want to be overly optimistic. I've since been delighted with the progress he's made.
"As for Damien, I know he is another who has not had an awful lot of football since he returned from injury, but I've had a good look at the highlights from Saturday's game and it seems there is no lack of sharpness."
