Fit-again Shay Given returns to the Republic of Ireland team to play San Marino tomorrow night having missed the last two qualifiers against Cyrpus and the Czech Republic because of injury.
The Newcastle goalkeeper has not played competitive football since perforating his bowel in a league game against West Ham in September.
But Ireland manager Steve Staunton has no reservations about Given's fitness having observed him closely in training in recent days.
Indeed, Staunton confirmed the entirety of his team for tomorrow's game at Lansdowne Road - the last soccer international at the old venue before redevelopment.
Manchester United's John O'Shea and Steve Finnan of Liverpool fill the fullback positions with Manchester City's Richard Dunne and Paul McShane of West Bromwich slotting into the centre.
McShane was an impressive debutante when stepping in against the Czech Republic and it is no surprise he retains his position despite struggling for a regular first team role at club level.
The midfield quartet named by Staunton suggests a centrefield partnership of Lee Carsley and Andy Reid with Kevin Kilbane on the left and Damien Duff down the right.
Captain Robbie Keane and Kevin Doyle lead the line as expected but there is doubt over Clinton Morrison's participation after the Crystal Palace striker hobbled off during training this morning.
Morrison clashed shins with Birmingham City defender Stephen Kelly. The striker had strapping and ice applied to the area while Kelly was fit to resume the session.
"It was an unfortunate accident, one of those things," Staunton said. "Clinton has some bone bruising and Stephen took a wrap himself but should be fine."
Staunton admitted there were "tough decision" to be made in naming his team and said goalkeeper Wayne Henderson, midfielder Jonathan Douglas and Kelly were particularly unlucky to miss out.
"We have to win, end of story," said Staunton who refused to be drawn when asked if he thought San Marino were the worst opposition to ever face Ireland.
"Who knows," he said. "They won't want to come and get beaten 7-0 again, that's for sure," he added in reference to the visitor's last outing against the Czechs.
"They tried to make things difficult for the Czechs by tightening it up somewhat (they lost 13-0 to Germany previous to that) and they'll look to do something similar with us.
"We got the right response (after the Cyrpus defeat) against the Czechs last month and we were unfortunate not to win. We're looking to go forward.
"We'll use our skill and cleverness. We will dominate the game for long periods and play most of the game in their half. We need to concentrate at the back, there'll be no complacency."
• Tickets are still available for tonight's B international between the Republic of Ireland and Scotland (7.30). Tickets can be purchased from caravans on the approaches to Dalymount Park.
Rep of Ireland: Given; Finnan, Dunne, McShane, O'Shea; Duff, A Reid, Carsley, Kilbane; Keane, Doyle.
Republic of Ireland B:Darren Randolph (Charlton Athletic); Kevin Foley (Luton Town), Paddy McCarthy (Leicester City), Alex Bruce (Ipswich Town), Lewis Emmanuel (Luton Town); Joe Gamble (Cork City), Stephen McPhail (Cardiff City), Darron Gibson (Royal Antwerp), Alan O'Brien (Newcastle United); Andy Keogh (Scunthorpe), Roy O'Donovan (Cork City). Subs:Darren Quigley (UCD), Joe O'Cearuill, Lee Frecklington (Lincoln City), Darren Potter (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Shane Long (Reading), Anthony Stoke (Falkirk), Stephen Hunt (Reading).
