Giovanni Trapattoni has named arguably his strongest possible starting team to face Wales tomorrow with Wes Hoolahan starting and Robbie Brady preferred to James McClean.
With David Forde, Richard Dunne and Robbie Keane unavailable, Trap has played his strongest hand and we should finally get to see Hoolahan get his chance in his preferred position of just off the striker, with Shane Long chosen to lead the line.
Trap confirmed in today’s press conference that James McCarthy and Glenn Whelan – who tomorrow will win his 50th international cap – will play in the holding role, with Jon Walters and Robbie Brady to push on in support on the flank.
The decision to pick Brady ahead of Wigan Athletic newboy McClean will be the biggest talking point, while the back four almost picks itself at this stage.
Kieren Westwood gets his chance to impress Trap, and perhaps Paolo Di Canio, in what will be his 16th appearance for the boys in green.
Ireland team to face Wales: Westwood, Coleman, Clark, O’Shea, Wilson; Walters, Whelan, McCarthy, Brady; Hoolahan; Long
