Giovanni Trapattoni's faith in Darren O'Dea

Darren O'Dea

Darren O’Dea will make his competive debut for Ireland tonight in the crucial Eauro qualifier against Macedonia.

Injuries to John O’Shea and Sean St-Ledger have opened the way for the on-loan Celtic defender to team up with Richard Dunne in central defence.

O’Dea has been in and out of the Ipswich defence since moving to Portman Road and has featured most recently at left-back.

“This is O’Dea’s position,” said Irish boss Giovanni Trapattoni. “He has played there for us against South Africa. We need experience in this position, and O’Dea is more experienced.”

Russia’s goal-less draw away to Armenia today gives Ireland the chance to join the Russian’s in top place in Group B if they can get a win over Macedonia.

As well as O’Dea winning his third international cap there is plenty of Celtic interest in the match with Robbie Keane and Aiden McGeady also starting the match.

Keane will be making a record breaking 105th international appearance, his 40th as captain.

Goalkeeping target Kieron Westwood of Coventry will start in place of the injured Shay Given with former Hamilton midfielder James McCarthy listed as a substitute.

In yesterday’s u-21 internation Ireland lost 2-0 in Portugal with Richie Towell playing the full match in midfield.

IRELAND: Westwood (Coventry City); Foley (Wolves), Dunne (Aston Villa), O’Dea (Celtic – on loan at Ipswich Town), Kilbane (Hull City – on loan at Huddersfield Town); McGeady (Spartak Moscow), Gibson (Manchester United), Whelan (Stoke City), Duff (Fulham); Keane (West Ham United), Doyle (Wolves).

RONNIE COYLE TESTIMONIAL WEBSITE.

Emilio Izaguirre injury worry.

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