McCarthy rests key players

Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy has named Fulham's Steve Finnan and Wimbledon's David Connolly in his line-up for tomorrow's Group Two game against Cyprus.

But McCarthy has left out Leeds striker Robbie Keane, Blackburn winger Jason McAteer, Charlton midfielder Mark Kinsella and Wimbledon centre-back Kenny Cunningham as all four already have a yellow card and would be banned from the first leg of the play-offs if booked again.

Aston Villa's Steve Staunton will win his 92nd cap and Niall Quinn will lead the attack on his 35th birthday.

Quinn still needs one goal to overtake Frank Stapleton's all-time Irish record of 20.

McCarthy said: "I hope he'll get it, but there is no sentiment here. Niall and Stan (Staunton) are both in on merit."

TEAM: Given (Newcastle), Finnan (Fulham), Breen (Coventry), Staunton (Aston Villa), Harte (Leeds), Kennedy (Wolves), Keane (Man Utd, captain), Holland (Ipswich), Kilbane (Sunderland), Quinn (Sunderland), Connolly (Wimbledon).