Keith Fahey "desperate" for Republic of Ireland start

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.