After the bonhomie of Tuesday's unveiling, newly installed Republic of Ireland manager Brian Kerr got down to business this afternoon when he named the 26-man squad to face Scotland next month.
There were few surprises in Kerr's largely tried and trusted squad which ensured Ireland's qualification to last summer's Finals. It means players like Richie Partridge, Graham Barrett and Barry Quinn have to wait for another opportunity before they get the chance to break into the senior squad.
There is a welcome return for full-back Stephen Carr while his club teammate Robbie Keane was included in the selection despite limping off 35 minutes into the match with Newcastle on Wednesday night
Also back is David Connolly, who was omitted from the squad that played out a scoreless draw with Greece last November which led to an unsavoury public spat with caretaker coach Don Givens.
"David has scored a lot of goals for Wimbledon in recent weeks so I feel it is only fair that I give him a chance," said Kerr, who may be glad to call on Connolly if Keane is not fit in time.
Kerr wouldn't be drawn on the issue of former captain Roy Keane making a return, instead referring his inquisitors to the answer given at his initial press conference on Tuesday.
"I am dealing with the issue but I don't think it's fair for the player or the good of the team to discuss the matter now, but rest assured I want Ireland to have the best team possible out on the pitch."
"It's a clean slate as far as I am concerned, an opportunity for me to see all the squad and them to see me."
Kerr also confirmed he had secured the services of former Ireland defender and now Tottenham coach, Chris Hughton, as his assistant.
"Chris is now officially on board, it's one of the many things I have been working on during a busy few days since my appointment," said Kerr of his highly respected assistant who is one of only 12 coaches in England to hold a UEFA Pro Coaching badge.
Hughton takes up the role on a part time basis while maintaining his commitment to Spurs. "It will be useful having Chris in London where he can keep a close eye on the Irish lads progress in the Premiership," explained Kerr, who said Hughton intended watching at least two games a week where Irish players are involved.
The friendly kicks-off at Hamden Park in Glasgow on February 12th at 8 p.m.
Republic of Ireland squad: Given (Newcastle United), Kiely (Charlton Athletic), Colgan (Hibernian), Harte (Leeds United), Breen (West Ham United), Kelly (Leeds United), Cunningham (Birmingham City), O'Shea (Manchester United), Carr (Tottenham Hotspur), Dunne (Manchester City), Finnan (Fulham), O'Brien (Newcastle United), Holland (Ipswich Town), Healy (Celtic), Kinsella (Aston Villa), Carsley (Everton), Delap (Southampton), McPhail (Leeds United), Kennedy (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Kilbane (Sunderland), Keane (Tottenham Hotspur (Tottenham Hotspur), Morrison (Birmingham City), Duff (Blackburn Rovers), Doherty (Tottenham Hotspur), Connolly (Wimbledon), Reid (Millwall).