Republic of Ireland manager Martin O’Neill has confirmed that Blues striker David McGoldrick will be handed his international debut in Tuesday’s friendly against the USA at the Aviva Stadium (Premier Sports, 7pm).
At a press conference this afternoon, the Irish boss announced that McGoldrick and fellow new recruit Cyrus Christie of Derby County will both start.
The paperwork relating to the duo’s qualification was completed earlier in the month and they joined up with the squad for the first time last week, but were unused subs in the Euro 2016 qualifier against Scotland on Friday.
O'Neill says McGoldrick will operate in a 'number 10' role for his side and he has high hopes for him as an Irish player: "It's a big statement for me to make but I think he can be very good for us."
The Irish boss confirmed that McGoldrick’s Town strike partner Daryl Murphy will play some part and will win his 14th cap against Jurgen Klinsmann’s side, having also been an unused sub against Scotland.
Elsewhere, Christophe Berra - also not involved in Friday’s game - will hope to win his 29th cap when the Scots take on England in a friendly at Celtic Park (Sky Sports 1, Tuesday 7pm).
Tommy Smith is the only other senior Town player away on international duty. His New Zealand side take on Thailand in Bangkok.
Meanwhile, 17-year-old midfielder Adam McDonnell could win his second U19 cap when the Republic of Ireland face Switzerland in the final game of their European Championships qualification group in Waterford, also on Tuesday.
Both sides have already made it through to the next phase of qualification but Ireland will win the group if they beat the Swiss, who are currently top.
Closer to home, Town's U21s are in action against Barnsley at Playford Road on Tuesday afternoon (KO 1pm).