Keith Fahey has admitted that he is "desperate" to play for the Republic of Ireland in Friday's World Cup qualifier against Germany in Dublin.

The injury-plagued Birmingham City midfielder was forced to miss his country's Euro 2012 campaign due to a recurring groin problem.

"To be honest, I have missed nearly a year now since I last played with injuries and I am desperate to play, I am desperate to play for Ireland," said the 29-year-old.

"I am not one who comes and expects to sit on the bench every game, I want to play.

"If I have to do better in training or whatever, I am willing to do it. I want to play, I want to get more caps under my belt, I want to do well. I want to wear the green shirt."

Giovanni Trapattoni's side are currently third in Group C after they won their opening match 2-1 against Kazakhstan.