Republic of Ireland are expected to make a number of changes ahead of Tuesday’s trip to Group D rivals Germany.
Stephen Quinn, Glenn Whelan, Shane Long and Jon Walters were all missing from their 7-0 thrashing of Gibraltar on Saturday, but the quartet are expected to make an appearance in Gelsenkirchen as Martin O’Neill attempts to combat Die Mannschaft’s wealth of attacking options.
O’Neill, whose Ireland side are currently second in the group, admits he’s wary of a German backlash following the World Cup winners’ shock 2-0 defeat to Poland on Saturday.
"I think Germany have a history of coming roaring back pretty quickly from whatever set-backs they have had," said O'Neill.
"They had most of the possession (against Poland) and should have been 2-0 up at half-time, I think regardless of retirements and injuries they will still be formidable.
"Germany lost after conceding a goal just after half-time, which they wouldn't normally have done.
"Germany are Germany, let's not beat around the bush, they are a top quality team and it's less than four months after they lifted the World Cup.”
Joachim Low’s side are in an unfamiliar fourth position at the moment, but are still heavy favourites to qualify for France 2016 as Group D winners.
Despite having the odds stacked in their favour, Low is expecting a difficult game at the Veltins Arena against a combative Ireland team.
“We can expect another copy of the Poland game, they are extremely strong in the tackle," said Low in Monday's press conference.
"They have similar type of players to Poland with Keane, who has plenty of experience, up front. They have quick players like (Everton's Aiden) McGeady on the flanks who dribble well and can always cause danger.
"They now have six points and have justified hopes of qualifying for the tournament in France."
Sunderland defender John O'Shea is set to win his 100th cap for Ireland, while playmaker Wes Hoolahan is expected to be dropped in favour of a more defensive approach, despite the Norwich man’s impressive performance against Gibraltar.
Jeff Hendrick and winger James McClean could also be dropped, with Quinn or Whelan expected to be given the nod.
Low will be forced into one change from their loss to Poland, with defensive midfielder Christoph Kramer withdrawing from the squad with flu symptoms.
Kramer’s absence means that Hoffenheim’s Sebastian Rudy or Dortmund’s Matthias Ginter could start alongside central midfielder Toni Kroos, while the German boss confirmed that Leverkusen’s Karim Bellarabi will start on the right wing.
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