As expected, Kevin Kilbane will partner Graham Kavanagh in the center of midfield when the Republic of Ireland open their 2006 World Cup qualifying campaign against Cyprus this afternoon.
With Roy Keane and Matt Holland missing through injury, much will depend on how Kilbane and Kavanagh cope at Lansdowne Road (3pm). Damien Duff and Andy Reid will provide the width.
At the back, Stephen Carr gets the nod ahead of Steve Finnan at right-back while Andy O'Brien will start alongside Kenny Cunningham at the heart of the Irish defence.
Up front, Brian Kerr has resisted the temptation to deploy Gary Doherty as a target man with Clinton Morrison afforded the opportunity to improve his international record alongside Robbie Keane.
Rep of Ireland: Given, Carr, O'Brien Cuuningham. O'Shea, Reid, Duff, Kavanagh, Kilbane, Morrison, Keane