GIOVANNI TRAPATTONI HAS named a young starting XI for tomorrow’s international friendly with Oman.
With several of his regular starters – including Robbie Keane, Richard Dunne, Sean St Ledger, Keith Andrews and Glenn Whelan – missing due to various reasons, the Italian will go with an experimental team for the meeting with their Asian opponents.
Goalkeeper Keiren Westwood returned to Sunderland yesterday and Millwall’s David Forde is set to make his second start between the sticks. Everton’s Seamus Coleman and Marc Wilson of Stoke come in at full-back with Stephen Kelly partnering Paul McShane at the centre of defence.
Sunderland’s David Meyler joins James McCarthy in midfield, while Andy Keogh, who just missed out on the Euro 2012 squad, comes in ahead of James McClean. Manchester United youngster Robbie Brady only got a call-up on Saturday but will make his senior debut on the other flank.
Robbie is a very technical, genial and quick. He can be a very important player for us,” Trapattoni said of the 20-year-old.
In the absence of Keane and Jon Walters, meanwhile, Kevin Doyle and Shane Long get the nod up front. Wolves striker Doyle will captain the team.
Kick-off tomorrow night is 7.30pm.
Ireland team v Oman: David Forde, Seamus Coleman, Stephen Kelly, Paul McShane, Marc Wilson, Robbie Brady, David Meyler, James McCarthy, Andy Keogh, Shane Long, Kevin Doyle.
