Irish reports are tipping defender Alex Bruce to win his second full cap on Saturday when the Republic take on Serbia at Croke Park. Bruce's previous game for the full international side came a year ago against Ecuador on their US tour.
Giovanni Trapattoni hsa been impressed with the Town centre-half, who has played in both training matches during the squad's camp in the Algarve: "I already know the famous players. I already know Damien Duff, I already know Kevin Doyle. But it has been a beautiful surprise, the young players like Alex Bruce - he is calm, he plays with confidence and he has trust."
Bruce is set to line up alongside Richard Dunne at the heart of the Irish defence. Fellow Blue Owen Garvan, yet to win a full cap, is expected to be amongst the subs.
Ireland, who travel back from Portugal today, subsequently face Colombia in another friendly at Craven Cottage on Thursday 29th May.