Kazakhstan defender Mark Gorman has revealed that he is looking forward to facing Republic of Ireland striker Robbie Keane when the two sides meet tomorrow night.

Keane was forced to sit out of Ireland's last match, a 3-0 defeat to Germany, but has been passed fit to play in Tuesday's final World Cup qualifying match.

Gorman insists that he has a lot of respect for Keane, who is in line to make his 130th appearance for his country, and hopes that he will be able to step up to his opponent's level.

"I will treat him with absolute respect, but at the same time, I do know how much pressure it puts on me to defend and protect my team," Gorman is quoted as saying by PA.

"But I do hope that I will be able to play accordingly to a high level and up to his talent. As a team, we will try our best."

Both Ireland and Kazakhstan are unable to qualify for the World Cup and will finish in fourth and fifth place respectively in Group C.