Reports today claim Holland is among the candidates to skipper the Irish in their first European Championships qualifier against Russia next month. Jason McAteer will skipper the Irish in Finland tonight but he is not expected to get the job long-term.

Holland says he is honoured that his name is being mentioned while Gary Breen and Kenny Cunningham are amongst other names being linked with the job.

Steve Staunton captained the Irish at the World Cup after Roy Keane was sent home, but the man known as Stan has retired from international football.

Holland could play at the back for Ireland tonight due to injury problems and he isn't likely to get a full 90 as Mick McCarthy experiments.

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