Trap names new side for new era?

The Irish side has been named for the first international soccer match post the European Championships against Serbia tomorrow at 19.45 in Belgrade.

Giovanni Trapattoni has named a starting eleven that will feature both James McCarthy and James McClean in midfield in a move that will cheer sections of the media and fans calling for their inclusion for a long time.

Elsewhere Keiren Westwood is in between the sticks as Ireland get used to life without Shay Given for the first time in sixteen years.

There is little indication on what way the defence will line-up with John O’Shea, Paul McShane, Darren O’Dea and Stephen Kelly as the back four and all four men capable of filling both full-back and centre-half slots. It will be interesting to see what way Trapattoni is thinking in relation to his best back four without Richard Dunne, who has yet to confirm if he will retire or not.

It is more than likely Ireland will play their usual 4-4-2 but they will do so with a new attacking midfield; the youthful vigour of James McClean and James McCarthy being added to Aiden McGeady and Glenn Whelan.

Jonathon Walters will partner Shane Long up front in a new look striking partnership.

After the three consecutive losses in the European Championships many had canvassed for new faces in the Irish squad and this line-up is as radical as it will get under Trapattoni.

The Irish coach has stated that this will be an experimental line-up but we also know that he places great premium on getting results in friendlies.

If McClean and McCarthy put in eye-catching performances they may find themselves playing a more central part of Trapattoni’s plans for the World Cup qualifying campaign.