Former Derry City favourite James McClean is included in the Irish Republic team to face Sweden in a crucial World Cup qualifier this evening.
Former City player James McClean.
The Creggan man, who moved from Sunderland to Wigan Athletic during the “transfer window” replaces the injured Aiden McGeady.
Winger McClean was the obvious replacement for McGeady although there had been speculation that uncapped Norwich winger Anthony Pilkington was in the running to be handed a starting role.
Former Derry City goalkeeper David Forde, who has cemented his position as Ireland’s number one goalkeeper following the retirement of Donegal’s Shay Given, retains his place in goal after recovering from the knee injury which forced him to miss the goal-less draw against Wales.
However, one Donegal man who is starting tonight is Seamus Coleman. The full-back has been putting in sparkling performances for Everton, now under former Wigan boss Roberto Martinez since the start of the season.
Wigan winger McClean was the obvious replacement for McGeady although there had been speculation that uncapped Norwich winger Anthony Pilkington could be handed a starting role.
A home will keep the Irish in contention for a 2014 World Cup qualifying post and will be the perfect boost ahead of the clash with Austria in Vienna in four days time.RThe
Trapattoni’s team lie fourth in Group C but only trail Austria and Sweden on goal difference, with second place likely to be enough to secure a play-off spot.
Tonight’s Republic of Ireland: team is – Forde; Coleman, Dunne, O’Shea, Wilson; Walters, McCarthy, Whelan, McClean; Keane (capt) and Long.
Kick-0ff in the Aviva Stadium is 7.45pm and is being television live RTE 2 Television and Sky Sports 2.
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