Given returns in shadow Ireland XI

Shay Given will mark his return to Ireland duty tomorrow night against Northern Ireland in a team shorn of a host of first team regulars.

With a crucial Euro 2012 qualifying clash against Macedonia coming up at the start of next month, the Manchester City ‘keeper’s return to the starting XI is a timely one, but he will be forgiven if he is a little unflattered by the ten outfield players taking to the Aviva Stadium pitch for the Carling Nations Cup clash with Northern Ireland tomorrow night.

With John O’Shea and Darron Gibson left out because of the Champions League final on Saturday, and the likes of Damien Duff and Kevin Doyle missing out through injury, the Irish starting line up is an unfamiliar one that will hardly strike fear into the opposition, even feeble opposition in the shape of Northern Ireland.

West Brom striker Simon Cox will make his international debut alongside Robbie Keane in attack, with Keith Andrews, Keith Treacy and two from Seamus Coleman, Liam Lawrence, Keith Fahey and Kevin Foley providing support from midfield.

Stoke’s Marc Wilson gets a rare start at left back after a string of impressive performances for his club of late, Damien Delaney partners Stephen Kelly in the centre of defence, while the unpredictable Paul McShane will start at right full back.

Ireland’s clash with our neighbours to the north kicks off on Tuesday evening at the Aviva Stadium at 7.45pm.

Ireland team v Northern Ireland: Shay Given; Paul McShane, Stephen Kelly, Damien Delaney, Marc Wilson; Seamus Coleman or Liam Lawrence, Keith Andrews, Keith Fahey or Kevin Foley, Keith Tracey, Robbie Keane, Simon Cox