Friendly
17.11.2010 at 19:45 - Aviva Stadium
Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni has suggested that some of his new faces could feature in Wednesday's friendly against Norway at the Aviva Stadium (7.45pm).
Ireland are certain to have injury victims Robbie Keane, Richard Dunne, Ciarán Clark, Paul McShane, Kevin Kilbane and Caleb Folan unavailable. Seán St Ledger, Paul Green and Kevin Doyle are all doubtful and their availability will be determined following scans of their respective injuries later today.
All of which means the spotlight could turn to defensive back-ups such as Seamus Coleman and Greg Cunningham. Trap also indicated that uncapped duo Marc Wilson and Jonathan Walters are in contention to be involved.
"We are missing many injured players, but it is important in this friendly game to look at other young players," said Trapattoni at this morning's squad training session in Malahide.
"The likes of Coleman, Cunningham and Walters, it is very important for them and for us.
"The players we know. But, with us, they can increase in confidence and personality.
"It will be important in the future that these players are available to us."
Shay Given will captain the Republic of Ireland team in place of the injured Robbie Keane for Wednesday night's friendly against Norway at the Aviva Stadium after Giovanni Trapattoni confirmed his starting team.
Darren O'Dea will partner John O'Shea in central defence with Stephen Kelly and Greg Cunningham operating in the full-back roles.
Keith Fahey gets the nod to partner Glenn Whelan in central midfield, while Liam Lawrence and Damien Duff take the wing berths.
Shane Long retains his attacking place in the starting line-up alongside Kevin Doyle after his man-of-the-match performance last time out against Slovakia in Bratislava.
Republic of Ireland team v Norway: Given (Manchester City); Kelly (Fulham), O'Shea (Manchester United), O'Dea (Ipswich Town), Cunningham (Leicester City); Lawrence (Portsmouth), Fahey (Birmingham City), Whelan (Stoke City), Duff (Fulham), Long (Reading), Doyle (Wolves).
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