The Irish panel

15 Steven McDonnell (Armagh – Captain) Previous caps: 7 – 2003, ’04, ’06, ’08, Ht: 6ft Age: 31

Robust and accurate, Ireland’s leading scorer in the international game with 76 points and appointed captain for the first time.

10 Finian Hanley (Galway – Vice captain) Previous caps: 2 – 2008, Ht: 6ft 3in Age: 25

Well established full back with his county and a success in the same role in Australia two years ago when he showed terrific stamina.

1 Stephen Cluxton (Dublin) Previous caps: 3 – 2002, ‘04, Ht: 5ft 11in Age: 29

Ireland’s best international keeper and GAA player of the series in 2002 but his career has been disrupted by dislike of air travel.

2 Colm Begley (Laois) Previous caps: 4 – 2006, ’08, Ht: 6ft 3in Age: 26

Formerly on the books of Brisbane and St Kilda, he played really well in his debut series in ’06.

3 Bernard Brogan (Dublin) Previous caps: Debut, Ht: 6ft Age: 26

Footballer of the year, his lethal finishing and ability to get off his shots quickly can be a huge asset.

4 Graham Canty (Cork) Previous caps: 12 – 2001, ’02,’ 03, ’04, ’05, ’08, Ht: 6ft 1in Age: 30

Great international player – three times GAA player of the series – and former captain, he will probably equal caps record of 14 next week.

5 Seán Cavanagh (Tyrone) Previous caps: 8 – 2004, ’05, ’08, ’08, Ht: 6ft 1in Age: 27

Another former captain, his performances two years ago, his ability on the ball and accuracy, were central to the team’s success.

6 Martin Clarke (Down) Previous caps: Debut, Ht: 5ft 11in Age: 22

Made a reputation in Collingwood before forsaking the AFL and has just had an All Star season.

7 Brendan Donaghy (Armagh) Previous caps: Debut, Ht: 6ft Age: 24

Has developed into an exceptional inside defender with his county and has impressed in the trials.

8 Leighton Glynn (Wicklow) Previous caps: 2 – 2008, Ht: 5ft 11in Age: 28

Dynamic performer two years ago when winning ball, running fearlessly at the Australian defence and delivering valuable scores.

9 Daniel Goulding (Cork) Previous caps: Debut, Ht: 6ft Age: 24

One of football’s best dead ball kickers, he kicked nine points in last month’s All-Ireland final victory.

11 James Kavanagh (Kildare) Previous caps: Debut, Ht: 6ft 1in

Age: 25

Had a great season for the county with his physicality and finishing ability a feature of Kildare’s run.

12 Paddy Keenan (Louth) Previous caps: Debut, Ht: 6ft 1in Age: 26

Louth’s first All Star and international in the space of two days, his aerial ability makes him an obvious call-up.

13 Tadhg Kennelly (Kerry and Sydney Swans) Previous caps: 10 – 2001, ’02, ’04, ’06, Ht: 6ft 3in Age: 29

One of the longest serving internationals, also with the most distinguished AFL pedigree and a consistently good performer.

14 Seán McDermott (Roscommon) Previous caps: Debut, Ht: 5ft 9in

Age: 26

Had a good season at corner back with the Connacht champions and is another to have impressed at trials.

16 Ciarán McKeever (Armagh) Previous caps: 2 – 2008, Ht: 5ft 10in Age: 27

Physically strong and excellent in possession he was a big success two years ago when specifically mentioned by Australian coach Malthouse.

17 Kevin McKernan (Down) Previous caps: Debut, Ht: 6ft Age: 22

Another success in the season just finished, playing in the half backs, his decision-making in defence was excellent.

18 Brendan Murphy (Carlow) Previous caps: Debut, Ht: 6ft 5in

Age: 21

Another of the AFL contingent now back at home, his ball-winning, mobility and Sydney experience make him a natural.

19 Michael Murphy (Donegal) Previous caps: Debut, Ht: 6ft 2in

Age: 21

Young Player of the Year in 2009 and linked with a move to the AFL, his finishing ability ensured his call-up.

20 Kevin Reilly (Meath) Previous caps: 4 – 2006, ‘08, Ht: 6ft 4in Age: 24

Has distinguished himself in defence in the past two series and was a virtual certainty to make the cut.

22 Tommy Walsh (Kerry and St Kilda) Previous caps: Debut, Ht: 6ft 4in Age: 22

Unlucky not to make it in the forwards two years ago when club-tied and now in the AFL, his debut is eagerly awaited.

23 Emmet Bolton (Kildare) Previous caps: Debut, Ht: 5ft 11in Age: 24

A great year in the half backs with Kildare, he was the obvious call-up when club commitments forced Cork’s Michael Shields’s withdrawal.

29 Niall McNamee (Offaly) Previous caps: Debut, Ht: 6ft 3in” Age: 25

One of football’s most dangerous forwards he gets a deserved international chance because of Benny Coulter’s injury.

Seán Moran