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Trading places? Green, left, and McCarthy train in Malahide this morning. ©INPHO/James Crombie
Sweden v Ireland

Paul Green was wearing a bib again at training -- and you know what that (probably) means

Ireland fly out for Sweden this afternoon as manager Giovanni Trapattoni’s plans begin to take shape.

MARCO TARDELLI GAVE the Republic of Ireland squad a clean bill of health ahead of their departure for Stockholm later this afternoon.

All 23 players took part in the squad’s training session in Malahide this morning as manager Giovanni Trapattoni begins to finalise his plans ahead of Friday’s crucial World Cup qualifier against Sweden.

Stoke City striker Jon Walters — who limped out of training yesterday following a collision with Shane Long — returned to action and said that he is none the worse for the knock.

“I’ve had bad ankle injuries in the past. I’ve ruptured it, and that pain was up there above them, so I thought it was going to be worse than it was. After about an hour it was ok.”

Walters might be fit but it looks increasingly unlikely that he will start in the Friends Arena, with Trapattoni leaning towards Long to partner Robbie Keane judging by his selections in training.

The biggest shock may be in midfield where Leeds United’s Paul Green appears to be under strong consideration for a starting spot at the expense of James McCarthy. If given the nod, Green will likely partner Glenn Whelan with Robbie Brady and James McClean starting on the wings.

At the back Millwall’s David Forde is set to win his sixth cap — and make his first competitive start — in goal. In the absence of Richard Dunne, Aston Villa clubmate Ciaran Clark is the favourite to partner John O’Shea in the centre of defence with Seamus Coleman and Marc Wilson expected to start at full-back.

Trapattoni is due to name his starting XI tomorrow at the pre-match press conference in Stockholm.

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