Giovanni Trapattoni hints that James McClean may start against Kazakhstan

Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni has hinted that Sunderland winger James McClean may start in Friday's World Cup qualifier against Kazakhstan.

McClean impressed in Ireland's friendly with Serbia, and Trapattoni has revealed that he may now hand him an attacking role as they look to begin their Brazil 2014 qualification campaign with a victory.

Trapattoni told reporters: "Maybe in Kazakhstan, McClean will play up with the two strikers. That is not a problem for him.

"We have also other players who can play in that position. The position is different to where he usually plays, but he can also play there.

"We will wait and see what the condition of the other players is but he could play there."

Republic of Ireland will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing Euro 2012 tournament where they suffered defeat in each of their three group matches.