As expected, recent recruits James McClean and Shane Duffy have both been named on the bench for the Republic Of Ireland’s friendly on Wednesday night at the Aviva Stadium against the Czech Republic (kick-off 8.00pm). The duo (who play for Sunderland and Everton respectively) are expected to see action at some stage, as is Wigan Athletic’s James McCarthy.
As far as the starting eleven is concerned, Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni has gone for a tried and tested line-up for the game, with the only real selections of note being the pairing of Sean St Ledger and Darren O’Dea at the heart of the defence, and the inclusion of Shane Long alongside Robbie Keane in the forward division.
Keane’s regular partner, Kevin Doyle, has been sent back to his club (Wolverhampton Wanderers) after failing to shake off a knock, as has Birmingham City’s Keith Fahey. During today’s press conference in Malahide, Trapattoni explained that he was interested in using Robbie Keane in a role similar to that filled by Francesco Totti during his time with Italy, meaning that it is likely Keane may drop deep to support the central midfield duo of Keith Andrews and Glenn Whelan during the game tomorrow evening.
IRELAND TEAM V CZECH REPUBLIC
SHAY GIVEN (ASTON VILLA)
JOHN O’SHEA (SUNDERLAND)
SEAN ST LEDGER (LEICESTER CITY)
DARREN O’DEA (LEEDS UNITED)
STEPHEN WARD (WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS)
DAMIEN DUFF (FULHAM)
KEITH ANDREWS (WEST BROMWICH ALBION)
GLENN WHELAN (STOKE CITY)
AIDEN MCGEADY (SPARTAK MOSCOW)
ROBBIE KEANE (LA GALAXY)
SHANE LONG (WEST BROMWICH ALBION)