Republic of Ireland boss Martin O'Neill has selection decisions to make ahead of the Euro 2016 qualifier with Poland.

Midfielder Darron Gibson is missing with a groin injury, but James McClean and Stephen Ward both returned to training on Friday after nursing injuries.

David Forde and Shay Given are both pushing for inclusion in goal, while Robbie Keane will hope for a recall after starting the last qualifying game on the bench.

Defeat to Scotland at Hampden Park in November has left Ireland in fourth spot, but victory on Sunday would give them real impetus heading into the second half of the campaign.

Poland were expected to be the nearest challengers to Germany, but a win over the world champions has taken Adam Nawalka's team to the top of the standings.

However, only three points separate four nations, and Nawalka will be aware that a situation could arise where the four leading teams end up on 10 points should they fall to a loss at the Aviva Stadium.

Marcin Komorowski, Rafal Janicki, Maciej Rybus could all be drafted into the side, while star striker Robert Lewandowski will be hoping to transfer his club form to the international stage after netting six goals in seven games.

Republic of Ireland:

Form in Euro 2016 qualifying: WWDL
Form in all competitions: WWWDLW

Possible starting lineup: Forde; Coleman, Ward, O'Shea, McShane; McGeady, Hendrick, McClean, McCarthy; Keane, Walters

Poland:

Form in Euro 2016 qualifying: WWDW
Form in all competitions: WWWDWD

Possible starting lineup: Szczesny, Janicki, Komorowski, Szukala, Glik, Mila, Rybus, Maczynski, Krychowia, Lewandowski, Milik

Sports Mole says: 1-1

Written by
Darren Plant

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