Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni has named his starting XI for Tuesday night’s international friendly against Paraguay.
Trap’s selection is as experienced as possible, with seasoned campaigners such as captain Robbie Keane, John O’Shea, Damien Duff and Kevin Doyle all included from the start.
With Shay Given still nursing the shoulder injury, Keiren Westwood will win his fourth cap in goal, with cover provided by unrelated pair Joe and Brian Murphy.
Stephen Kelly takes his place at right back with Paul McShane – captain for the night in practice games last week – and Sean St Ledger in the centre of defence and O’Shea starting at left full.
Midfield is made up of Liam Lawrence, Keith Andrews, Glenn Whelan and Duff with Keane and Doyle in attack.
It all means that nine of the side on duty for Ireland’s most recent competitive international, the World Cup play-off against France last November, are in the starting line-up, with Given and Richard Dunne the only absentees.
Republic of Ireland: Keiren Westwood, Stephen Kelly, Paul McShane, Sean St Ledger, John O’Shea, Liam Lawrence, Keith Andrews, Glenn Whelan, Damien Duff, Kevin Doyle, Robbie Keane.
