Friendly
23.05.2007 at 01:00 - Giants Stadium
Stephen Staunton has handed youth its chance in this evening’s friendly with Ecuador at New York’s Giants Stadium (kick-off 1.00 am Irish time).
The Ireland manager has named seven uncapped players in his starting side for the first of the two game tour that concludes with Saturday night’s test with Bolivia in Boston.
Birmingham City keeper Colin Doyle and Wolves’ midfielder Darren Potter were confirmed starters by Staunton on Tuesday.
And this pair have been joined by fellow rookies Alan Bennett (Reading), Alex Bruce (Ipswich Town), Stephen O’Halloran (Aston Villa), Daryl Murphy (Sunderland) and Andy Keogh (Wolves).
Skipper Kevin Kilbane will win his 79th senior cap and is very much the father figure in the XI with next oldest, 25 year old Stephen Hunt, only making his fourth appearance.
Hunt is joined by fellow Reading team mates, Kevin Doyle and Alan Bennett, the latter being chosen even though he has not played first team football since his January move from Cork City.
Another former eircom League star, Waterford United’s Daryl Murphy, gets his first senior outing to round off a great season at Sunderland.
And Andy Keogh is another player to capitalise on his successful season at Wolves by starting beside Doyle in attack.
“This is a great chance for these lads to show to me and themselves that they can make the step up,” stated Staunton.
“They have all enjoyed strong seasons with their clubs and impressed me in training this week.”
Staunton intends to play as many of the six substitutes although he is also keen to ensure there is a balance to his side.
“I want to play as many of the lads as I can over the two games. However, it’s important we play well.”
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