TEAM NEWS: Schweinsteiger returns for Germany

Oct 12, 2012 6:40:00 PM

The Bayern Munich icon has not featured in the last two Mannschaft squads, but makes his comeback for the visit to Republic of Ireland, with Marco Reus retaining his place

Germany coach Joachim Low has handed Bastian Schweinsteiger his first appearance in the side since the Euro 2012 semi-final loss against Italy.

The Bayern Munich midfielder was not a part of the last two squads amid injury worries, but has been in fine form for his club so far this season.

The 28-year-old captains the side in the absence of club-mate Philipp Lahm, who is suspended, while Mats Hummels picked up an injury while representing Borussia Dortmund against Hannover last week.

Jerome Boateng returns at right-back, with Per Mertesacker filling in at the heart of defence alongside Holger Badstuber. Marcel Schmelzer completes the defence.

Up front, Marco Reus retains his place on the left wing ahead of Lukas Podolski, who has a minor ankle knock, while Miroslav Klose leads the line.

Meanwhile, Giovanni Trapattoni has lined up his troops in a 4-5-1 formation, with Everton's Seamus Coleman making his first competitive international start at right-back.

Simon Cox is filling in on the right wing, with Jonathan Walters preferred to Shane Long as the lone striker with Robbie Keane injured.

IRELAND (4-5-1): Westwood; Coleman, O'Shea, O'Dea, Ward; Cox, Andrews, Fahey, McCarthy, McGeady; Walters

GERMANY (4-2-3-1): Neuer; Boateng, Mertesacker, Badstuber, Schmelzer; Khedira, Schweinsteiger; Muller, Ozil, Reus; Klose

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