Manchester City’s Greg Cunningham will make his senior debut for the Republic of Ireland when they face Algeria at the RDS tomorrow night. Derby midfielder Paul Green will make his first start having come off the bench against Paraguay on Tuesday.
Giovanni Trapattoni was forced into a change at the back after allowing Paul McShane some time off to attend his sister’s wedding. The Hull defender’s central berth will be filled by John O’Shea freeing up the left-back slot for Galway-born Cunningham.
It had been thought Kevin Foley would be called upon but the manager has opted to retain Stephen Kelly at right-back, in favour of drafting the naturally left-sided Cunningham in the team.
The 19-year-old made his debut for City against Scunthorpe United in the FA Cup in January and appeared in the Premier League for the first time in April, albeit for one minute.
His inclusion, then, suggests the manager has liked what he has seen since the squad assembled early last week and is keen to see whether the former Mervue United player can provide an alternative to veteran Kevin Kilbane in defence.
Coventry City goalkeeper Keiren Westwood retains his jersey after hte 2-1 win over Paraguay.
Green replaces Keith Andrews in the middle of the park where he will partner Glenn Whelan. Otherwise the midfield and attack remains the same, with Damien Duff and Liam Lawrence on the flanks, though he's participation depends on the condition of a groin strain picked up on Tuesday.
Birmingham’s Keith Fahey, who made his debut as a substitute this week is expected to replace the Stoke City man should he be ruled out.
Captain Robbie Keane has recovered from a knock to the knee and will continue up front alongside Kevin Doyle, after the latter’s header and Lawrence’s first-half strike gave Ireland victory earlier in the week.
Algeria are grouped with England, Slovenia and the USA in South Africa. They qualified for the finals after a play-off with fierce rivals Egypt.
Trapattoni, meanwhile,has pronounced himself satisfied with his first two years at the helm and brushed aside speculation that he could be the man to replace Jose Mourinho at Inter Milan.
He said: “I am satisfied with this team. We still have room to improve and grow with this team. We are a good team. I see many international games, but our discipline, our mentality, our attitude is very, very important, and we also have players with quality.
“We have played Italy, France, Brazil, Paraguay and now Algeria in the last six months and we can think we also have a strong team. We cannot be arrogant, but we have to be aware we are a strong team as well.”
Trapattoni has been impressed with Cunningham during the training camp in Malahide and expects an assured performance from the youngster.
“He is not afraid on the ball and he has personality," the manager added. "He can pass the ball immediately as well as hold on to it when he needs to, and that is very, very important.”
Rep of Ireland (v Algeria):Westwood, Kelly, O'Shea, St Ledger, Cunningham, Lawrence, Green, Whelan, Duff, Keane, Doyle