Aiden McGeady has paid the price for some indifferent performance in a Republic of Ireland jersey with manager Steve Staunton dropping the Celtic winger for tonight's clash with Germany at Croke Park.

In a surprise move Staunton has called upon Andy Keogh, who despite being a natural striker has been deployed in a wide role at Wolves this season, with McGeady having to settle for a place on the bench.

In the absence of John O'Shea, who failed a fitness test this morning, Bolton full-back Joey O'Brien will partner Richard Dunne in the heart of defence with newcomer Alex Bruce, a more natural central defender, named among the replacements.

There is no place in the starting line-up for Liam Miller with Andy Reid partnering Lee Carsley in the midfield while Kevin Doyle and captain Robbie Keane will spearhead the attack.

Rep of Ireland: Given; Finnan, J O'Brien, Dunne,  Kelly, Keogh, Carsley, Reid, Kilbane, Doyle, Keane. Subs: Colgan; McGeady, Miller, Bruce, Long, Douglas, Murphy