Town defender Alex Bruce may start for the Republic of Ireland in this evening's friendly against Poland in Dublin after all with Richard Dunne returning to England to be with his expectant wife. Bruce was not named in the original XI yesterday, but could replace the Manchester City man.

Dunne has not officially been ruled out as yet but looks set to miss out after leaving Ireland overnight after his wife went into labour.

Either Bruce or Hull City defender Paul McShane, a player Town targeted prior to signing Bruce in 2006, are expected to come into Giovanni Trapattoni's side.

If he plays, the 24-year-old will win his second full cap. The game is being shown live on Sky Sports Two from 7.30pm.

Elsewhere, Veliche Shumulikoski is expected to be in the Macedonia starting line-up as they play a friendly in Montenegro.

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