Norwich City’s Wes Hoolahan set to start World Cup qualifier for Ireland

Giovanni Trapattoni has confirmed that Canaries midfielder Wes Hoolahan is '90pc' certain to start Friday night's World Cup qualifier against the Faroe Islands.

Hoolahan turned in an impressive display in his first start for Ireland as they beat Georgia 4-0 in a friendly in Dublin on Sunday and, with James McCarthy and Shane Long both suspended on Friday, seems likely to plug one of those gaps.

Trapattoni said: 'Ninety per cent yes. We have no training today but after training tomorrow we can put things a little bit more in place.'

'We know Wes. It was important to see him in midfield with McCarthy.

'It was important physically to contain this situation because at his club, he plays as the second striker and he has more support.

'But he played well. He ran a lot and he was clear also in the pass because he gave two or three very important passes, and we have trust about him also in the future.'

Robbie Keane has been hugely impressed by the 31-year-old during his time in the squad.

He said: 'He suits me perfectly because I like to get in the hole and Wes is one of these players who likes to get it and play it around corners and play little one-twos.

'You saw that in the second half, the way we linked up, and that's something we have to look at against the Faroes because they are a team who are going to sit back and we are probably going to have a lot more possession of the ball, so it's a good weapon to have.

'He is very, very tidy and this game against the Faroes is a perfect game for him.

'It's a game where we have to go at them because on paper, we should win the game – but it's easy saying that. It could be the perfect game for him.'