Steve Finnan will make his first start for the Republic of Ireland since last April against Australia this evening after being handed a midfield berth by manager Brian Kerr.
The verstaile Liverpool defender, who made a second-half appearance as a substitute in the Premiership against Chelsea on Sunday, will occupy an unfamiliar role on the right of midfield at Lansdowne Road.
Up front, Kerr has chosen to omit Birmingham striker Clinton Morrison from his starting line-up, instead handing Spurs utility striker Gary Doherty a start alongside club teammate Robbie Keane.
That move allows record Chelsea signing Damien Duff to revert to his favoured position wide on the left with Matt Holland and Mark Kinsella anchoring the midfield
Elsewhere, Stockport's on-loan Hibs 'keeper Nick Colgan wins his fourth cap ahead of Shay Given while captain Kenny Cunningham partners Gary Breen in the heart of the defence.
Socceroos' coach Frank Farina has yet to name his side but is expected to pick a team similar to that which defeated England 3-1 in February.
Republic of Ireland: Nick Colgan (Stockport County); Stephen Carr (Tottenham Hotspur), Gary Breen (Sunderland), Kenny Cunningham (Birmingham City), Captain, John O'Shea (Manchester United); Steve Finnan (Liverpool), Matt Holland (Charlton Athletic), Mark Kinsella (Aston Villa), Damien Duff (Chelsea); Gary Doherty (Tottenham Hotspur), Robbie Keane (Tottenham Hotspur).