Conor Sammon to play in Republic of Ireland squad

GIOVANNI Trapattoni will throw former Kilmarnock striker Conor Sammon into World Cup battle tonight as the Republic of Ireland attempt to lay down a marker in Group C.

The 26-year-old Derby frontman will start in place of injured skipper Robbie Keane against Austria at the Aviva Stadium as he wins his third senior cap in a crucial encounter. Sammon is perhaps a controversial choice to line up alongside West Brom’s Shane Long in attack, with Jon Walters once again asked to patrol the right side of midfield and Simon Cox, the recalled Kevin Doyle and Norwich’s Wes Hoolahan held in reserve.

But Trapattoni made no apology for selecting the Championship striker. Asked why he had picked Sammon, who was used as a substitute in Sweden on Friday, the Italian replied: “Because I think his quality can give Shane support. Physically he is strong enough, he’s quick and he is good in the air and he showed us good quality in the last game. He is not only tall, he is fast as well.”

Wigan’s James McCarthy will line up for Ireland, although his 74-year-old manager has threatened to take drastic action in a bid to get the best out of him. Trapattoni said with a smile: “I told him, ‘I will punch you if you don’t stop being shy’.”