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McCarthy and Walters get a late nod this evening. INPHO/Donall Farmer

McCarthy replaces the injured Whelan, Brady dropped for Walters

Giovanni Trapattoni has made two late changes to the starting XI for tonight’s World Cup qualifier.

Updated 18.20

JAMES MCCARTHY WILL replace the injured Glenn Whelan in Ireland’s starting line-up to face Sweden tonight.

Stoke midfielder Whelan had been carrying an ankle injury but was expected to be fit after being named alongside Paul Green in midfield by Giovanni Trapattoni earlier this week.

However, news emerged earlier afternoon that the 29-year-old hasn’t fully recovered in time and it has been confirmed that Wigan’s James McCarthy will replace him.

In a surprising move, Trapattoni has also decided to withdraw Robbie Brady for Jon Walters. The Italian yesterday questioned the Hull winger’s “psychological fitness” and with hours to go before kick-off (7.45pm Irish time) he has opted to make a late switch.

Ireland team to play Sweden: Forde, Coleman, O’Shea (c), Clark, Wilson, Walters, Whelan, McCarthy, McClean, Keane, Long.

Somebody needs to sit Paul Green down and make him watch this over and over again

Sweden v Ireland: Here’s everything you need to know about tonight’s opposition

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54 Comments
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    Mute duzB
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    Mar 22nd 2013, 2:30 PM

    Could be a blessing? Chance now for McCarthy to shine and prove to Trap he should have been in starting 11? COYBIG

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    Mute Rob Cunningham
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    Mar 22nd 2013, 4:15 PM

    Some good news for a change. He was the worst of a bad lot at the euros. Glad he’s out.

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    Mute Clifford Brennan
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    Mar 22nd 2013, 5:29 PM

    Lets hope the swedes dont turnip.
    ( ill get my coat :) )

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    Mute Kevin Shaw
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    Mar 22nd 2013, 6:44 PM

    Is Trap trying to destroy Brady’s career before it starts? Come on Ireland!

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    Mute Cathal Lynch
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    Mar 22nd 2013, 2:35 PM

    Glenn whelan has been a great servant for Ireland, and I love him coz hrs a true Irishman who gives his all, but I can’t help but feel this is a blessing in disguise with McCarthy waiting in the wings. Regardless, lets cheer fit every one if those lads, the one thing u can be sure if us that every one of them will wear the shirt with pride, and for that I’m proud. I’m in oz and gAme not being shown here, hope to wake up to great news tomorrow. COYBIG. God bless Ireland

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    Mute Tj Hughes
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    Mar 22nd 2013, 2:39 PM

    Jesus I nearly shed a tear there in light of your emotional nationalism!!

    61
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    Mute Gavin O'Connor
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    Mar 22nd 2013, 3:01 PM

    Cathal try one of the all night casinos, I watched my Ireland games there when I was over.

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    Mute Cathal Lynch
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    Mar 22nd 2013, 3:40 PM

    Gavin, unfortunately have tried all those options. Servants is showing Wales v Scotland. If you’ve any links for streaming online would be much appreciated coz that’s our lady resort

    17
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    Mute Cathal Lynch
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    Mar 22nd 2013, 3:45 PM

    Haha god bless ya TJ, ya only realise what a wonderful place it is when ya leave it. Here’s to Ireland 1-0 (Robbie keane). Is and always will be an Irish hero!

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    Mute mick teehan
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    Mar 22nd 2013, 4:05 PM

    Cathal, try http://www.myp2p.pe it usually streams all games

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    Mute Cathal Lynch
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    Mar 22nd 2013, 4:21 PM

    Thanks mick

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    Mute john cleary
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    Mar 22nd 2013, 4:36 PM

    Im badly in need of some r and r.
    Wheres this lady resort you speak of.

    17
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    Mute Cathal Lynch
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    Mar 22nd 2013, 4:59 PM

    It’s a pseudonym for your aul one John, try lesson street

    20
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    Mute Brian Canavan
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    Mar 22nd 2013, 5:14 PM

    Yup Cathal, I agree with mick, watched the euro games on myp2p from Indonesia

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    Mute Tj Hughes
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    Mar 22nd 2013, 5:45 PM

    Representing abroad Cathal…fair play man!! Lets hope your prediction comes in!!

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    Mute Eoin Tighe
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    Mar 22nd 2013, 6:51 PM

    Rte may be streaming it on their site?

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    Mute tribesman
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    Mar 22nd 2013, 7:44 PM

    Google vipbox.com

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    Mute Ronan Stokes
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    Mar 22nd 2013, 8:49 PM

    http://www.aertv.ie Cathal. Full RTE coverage, Eamo had Brady in a headlock earlier.

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    Mute joe dangermouse
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    Mar 22nd 2013, 2:33 PM

    Knowing trap he’ll probably start hendrick.

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    Mute Gavin O'Connor
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    Mar 22nd 2013, 2:59 PM

    Still an improvement! Surely he wont though, surely.

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    Mute Nick Menezes
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    Mar 22nd 2013, 2:36 PM

    Never nice to be happy to see a player injured but its liteterally boosted my enthusiasm for the game now, I think McCarthy-Green is a better combo then Whelan-Green or possivle better then McCarthy-Whelan and @Joe Dangermouse Hendrick would not be the end of the world hes a seriously good distributor and defensive player but McCarthy is hands down the better option

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    Mute joe dangermouse
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    Mar 22nd 2013, 3:26 PM

    I agree nick,we just need that creativity and Mccarthy will give us that.looking forward to the game myself with a few scoops

    11
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    Mute Colm Meade
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    Mar 22nd 2013, 2:39 PM

    Brilliant news…. Now put James McCarthy in & our midfield will be balanced!! Ireland 1-0 14/1 tempting

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    Mute ripedoffagain
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    Mar 22nd 2013, 2:48 PM

    Worth 5

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    Mute Colm Meade
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    Mar 22nd 2013, 2:53 PM

    Worth a score

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    Mute Tj Hughes
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    Mar 22nd 2013, 5:57 PM

    Worth a grand!! ha ha!!

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    Mute Tj Hughes
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    Mar 22nd 2013, 2:36 PM

    He’ll definitely start Hendrick because he won’t allow himself to be proved wrong for not picking McCarthy in the first place.

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    Mute John Mc Glynn
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    Mar 22nd 2013, 3:48 PM

    And if he does go and play McCarthy after all the really discouraging things he said about him yesterday whats to be expected of James? Whats his confidence level ( and that of Brady) gonna be after his own manager comes out and slights his game. Just another example of the complete mis-managment of the squad.

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    Mute Cathal Lynch
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    Mar 22nd 2013, 4:24 PM

    Ya never know lads, it probably is bad management but hopefully it’s just the thing to rise them. Really really hoping for a big result tonight, can’t help but feel its make or break. Believe!

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    Mute Tj Hughes
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    Mar 22nd 2013, 5:55 PM

    Lads we are we are with this guy…we know what he is and the way he manages… I hate to see anyone getting injured but lets hope McCarthy gets his chance to prove trap wrong. And Brady is a confident lad anyway, so I’m sure he’ll be well up to show what he’s made of! COME ON IRELAND!!!!

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    Mute Aidan Jennings
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    Mar 22nd 2013, 3:01 PM

    I agree, the Green Bashing is mainly coming from the armchair brigade who only watch Champs Lge and top 4 super Sunday games and therefore have absolutely no clue about any of the current irish players.

    Anyone who actually watches games will know, Green is a more mobile and effective DM than Whelan.

    Given we’re stuck with rigid 442, Green and McCarthy would have been my ideal pick to begin with.

    Both are mobile midfielders, unlike Whelan and Gibson, who would get slaughtered in a 442 system.

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    Mute The Almighty
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    Mar 22nd 2013, 3:32 PM

    +1 He should of played 4-5-1 with a 3 man midfield of Green, McCarthy, Houlahan and Long upfront on his own and dropped Keane. Rest of team is ok, maybe played coleman on right of midfield instead of brady to cover right side with o’shea right back and st ledger cente back with clark. I would of prefered pilkington over Mcclean too. Wilson good choice, crazy playing debut keeper in forder but what can you do…would of prefered Shay.

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    Mute Graham Matthews
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    Mar 22nd 2013, 2:34 PM

    Praise The Lord

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    Mute Ruairi Mc Caul
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    Mar 22nd 2013, 6:39 PM

    I really hope Brady’s psycological condition is ok after this news…

    11
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    Mute Shuki Byrne
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    Mar 22nd 2013, 3:00 PM

    McCarthy or Hoolo should be the replacement.

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    Mute S P Mc Grath
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    Mar 22nd 2013, 2:33 PM

    Thank god for that

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    Mute Sean Flanagan
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    Mar 22nd 2013, 4:34 PM

    No Glenn? But who’s gonna give the ball away needlessly and then watch impotently as play passes him by??

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    Mute Paraic Collins
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    Mar 22nd 2013, 2:42 PM

    Makes no difference. Two words: Paul Green. No wonder Ireland are 6/1 to win the game.

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    Mute emmomac
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    Mar 22nd 2013, 2:47 PM

    The Green bashing is embarrassing at this stage. Same brigade who were having a canary over McClean. Get behind Green. He will work his arse off tonight and could do with the support

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    Mute Paraic Collins
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    Mar 22nd 2013, 2:51 PM

    Its not PG bashing. It’s a fact he’s not good enough ar this level in my opinion. Anyone remember Russia at home? He starts on the wing for Leeds.

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    Mute emmomac
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    Mar 22nd 2013, 2:55 PM

    Granted he had a mare against the Ruskies and tbh I wouldn’t start him but the fact of the matter is he is starting. So maybe swallow your pride and show some support?

    13
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    Mute ICantSplel
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    Mar 22nd 2013, 5:12 PM

    Regarding McClean, seems strange to me he was ignored when he was in form and scoring the odd goal. Now he’s out of form, gets booed by his own fans and he of course slots right in. Imagine an Ireland with Long up front Hoolahan behind him , 2 wingers, Gibson and McCarthy in the holding roles and a defence similar to the one we’re using now in a 4-2-3-1.

    11
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    Mute John McEnery
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    Mar 22nd 2013, 2:45 PM

    I fancy Keogh for the centre midfield slot. He’s full of pace and got us of the mark against Germany.

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    Mute John McEnery
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    Mar 22nd 2013, 2:47 PM

    “off”

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    Mute Colm Meade
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    Mar 22nd 2013, 4:32 PM

    Seriously bud you should NEVER leave a comment about football on this again… Andy Keogh centre of midfield away from home to Sweden?? He’s a striker by trade… You have less of a clue than Trapattoni!!

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    Mute Niall Naughton
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    Mar 22nd 2013, 7:41 PM

    Terrible kick in the gonads for Brady! What the hell was trap up to making public the whole “mental fitness” thing and then dropping him, whether connected or not, shows how bad at man management this guy is! Hopefully we’ll get the draw, but wouldn’t be confident!

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    Mute Gary Whelan
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    Mar 22nd 2013, 6:34 PM

    Would like to have seen hoolahan come in for Brady in a 4-3-3 formation with long and mclean playing off robbie upfront, glad mccarthys in, should have been there from the start!

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    Mute Al S Macthomais
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    Mar 22nd 2013, 4:03 PM

    Trapp probably play Hendricks instead of McCarthy as Hendricks style is similar to Whelans approach,

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    Mute Paul Carroll
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    Mar 22nd 2013, 6:56 PM

    Hendrick is better than whelan. Should be him and McCarthy starting in the middle. Green is poo!

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    Mute whitey bolger
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    Mar 22nd 2013, 5:26 PM

    I hate how trap has killed our enthusiasmus! But we’ve not lost away under him. Often heard him described as lucky and losing whelan is a stroke of luck. If I gambled I’d put a small wager on us to get a result.

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    Mute emmomac
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    Mar 22nd 2013, 2:55 PM

    Granted he had a mare against the Ruskies and tbh I wouldn’t start him but the fact of the matter is he is starting. So maybe swallow your pride and show some support?

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    Mute Rory Maguire
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    Mar 22nd 2013, 5:44 PM
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    Mute Tj Hughes
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    Mar 22nd 2013, 6:59 PM

    Walters instead of Brady…didn’t see that coming…

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    Mute Jane Cunningham Enright
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    Mar 22nd 2013, 6:59 PM

    Is it on sky sports

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