Town keeper Shane Supple will make his debut for the Irish U21s when they take on Montenegro in a UEFA qualifier at Terryland Park, Galway this evening. Striker Billy Clarke is also in the squad and stands a good chance of winning his seventh U21 cap.
Coach Don Givens confirmed that Supple, who was a late call into the squad, will play: "Shane will start in goal. This is his first U21 cap and a good opportunity for him.â€Â
Supple and Clarke are currently on loan at SPL Falkirk with the keeper yet to play for their temporary club. Clarke has scored one goal in one starts and five sub appearances since moving to Scotland at the end of January.
Midfielder Owen Garvan is unavailable for tonight's game after picking up two yellow cards earlier in the campaign. Ireland stand no chance of qualifying for the finals.
Academy midfielder Ed Upson is also in international action this evening, with the England U19s taking on Russia at stadium:mk. Upson has previously won four caps at U19 level.
Midfielder Velice Sumulikoski is expected to be in the full Macedonia side which takes on Bosnia-Herzegovina in Zenica on Wednesday evening.
There is some confusion regarding the number of caps won by the January signing from Bursapor. The player himself believes Wednesday's game will be his 50th appearance, official Macedonian records make it his 49th, while UEFA's stats show that it will be his 48th.
Central defender Chris Casement will be with the Northern Ireland U21 squad on Wednesday for their friendly with Romania at Ballymena. Casement has previously won eight caps at U21 level.