Kelleher and Ogbene make first Ireland starts against Qatar

Stephen Kenny makes five changes in total for friendly international

Chiedozie Ogbene celebrates scoring his goal in the game against Azerbaijan. Photograph: Laszlo Geczo/Inpho
Chiedozie Ogbene celebrates scoring his goal in the game against Azerbaijan. Photograph: Laszlo Geczo/Inpho

Caoimhín Kelleher and Chiedozie Ogbene were handed first starts for the Republic of Ireland as manager Stephen Kenny shuffled his pack for Tuesday night's friendly against Qatar at the Aviva Stadium.

Liverpool goalkeeper Kelleher, who made his debut against Hungary in June, and Rotherham winger Ogbene, who scored his maiden senior international goal in Azerbaijan at the weekend in his second appearance as a substitute, were included in two of five changes.

Enda Stevens, Conor Hourihane and Jamie McGrath also come in got the nod, with Gavin Bazunu, James McClean, Daryl Horgan and Adam Idah named on the bench, while the injured Josh Cullen was ruled out.

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND: Kelleher; Omobamidele, Duffy, Egan; Doherty, Hourihane, Hendrick, Stevens; Robinson, McGrath, Ogbene.