Trap Rings In Changes For Uruguay Friendly

Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni has made 8 changes from the side that beat Macedonia on saturday evening for tomorrow nights friendly international against Uruguay in the Aviva Stadium.

Giovanni Trapattoni and Stephen Kelly

Goalkeeper Kieren Westwood and defenders Kevin Foley and Darren O’Dea the only players to keep their places. There is no place for Robbie Keane, Kevin Kilbane, Richard Dunne, Damien Duff or Kevin Doyle who were all released to return to their clubs.

Wigan’s James McCarthy will start his first international game tomorrow night winning his second cap in place of Robbie Keane, and no doubt he will show the Italian manager what he can do ahead of the next Carling Nations Cup game and also the return leg of the Euro 2012 qualifier against Macedonia and other future games.

On his selection of McCarthy, Trapattoni said “I do not expect a big big performance for him no, I know his quality and i know what he can do” He added “What I do want from him to always call for the ball, you can make mistakes, but thats alright but he needs to be vocal and not shy, I have seen him a little shy but he must get over this”

Fulham defender Stephen Kelly has been chosen by Trap to captain what will  look like an under 21 side for the game.  He will partner Darren O’Dea  at center half.

Meanwhile Ciaran Clark will deputise for Kevin Kilbane while Paul Green and Keith Fahey will be the midfield partnership.

Meanwhile, Damien Delaney and Anthony Stokes have been called into the squad, while Glenn Whelan has been ruled-out of tomorrow’s game because of injury.

Rep of Ireland (v Uruguay): Westwood; Foley, O’Dea, Kelly (capt), Clark; Lawrence, Fahey, Green, Keogh; McCarthy, Long

Daniel "Pitchside" Pitcher Twitter: @DanFM104Sport About: Dan "Pitchside" Pitcher provides insight and commentary as the chief soccer and rugby correspondent for Sportspeak.