Midfielder Keith Andrews has been named in the starting line-up for the Republic of Ireland’s Euro 2012 qualifier in Andorra this evening (Sky Sports Two/HD2, 8.25pm). Andrews is one of a number of Town players currently away with their international squads.
The on-loan Blackburn man will win his 23rd cap and will be looking to add to his two international goals against the minnows.
Blues defender Damien Delaney, who has previously won five caps without scoring, will hope to play a part from the bench, while ex-loanee Darren O’Dea is in the starting line-up.
Victory in tonight's match and Tuesday's home game with Armenia would ensure Ireland claiming second place in their group and a play-off place, but automatic qualification for the finals is still possible.
Keeper David Stockdale is unlikely to win his first full cap when England take on Montenegro in Podgorica (Sky Sports One/HD1, 7.30pm). England need to draw to qualify for the finals.
Last night, young midfielders Josh Carson and Cormac Burke were in the Northern Ireland U19 side which lost their opening European Championships qualifying mini-group match 5-1 to Germany in Coleraine. Carson, who has already won U21 and senior caps, skippered the side.
The Northern Irish youngsters take on Belarus on Saturday and Montenegro on Tuesday, both in Belfast.
Striker Tamás Priskin’s Hungary, who could qualify for the play-offs, aren’t in action until Tuesday when they face Finland, while defender Danny Collins pulled out of the Wales squad with a minor groin injury and Carlos Edwards withdrew from Trinidad and Tobago’s World Cup qualifiers due to his off-field issues.
Republic of Ireland: Given (Aston Villa), O'Shea (Sunderland), St Ledger (Leicester City), O'Dea (Leeds United), Ward (Wolves), McGeady (Spartak Moscow), Andrews (Ipswich Town), Whelan (Stoke City), Hunt (Wolves), Keane (LA Galaxy), Doyle (Wolves).
Photo: Action Images/Scott Heavey