Jon Walters has been handed the captain’s armband as Republic of Ireland manager Martin O’Neill makes seven changes for the friendly clash with Poland in Poznan.

For all the fears harking back to 1973, England now only need to look forward to 2014.

Striker Conor Sammon will be handed a chance to stake his claim for a role in the Republic of Ireland’s World Cup qualifying campaign with a senior debut against Poland tonight.