Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni has named his starting 11 to face Nottingham Forest in tomorrow evening's challenge match at Dalymount Park.

MAN CITY midfielder Stephen Ireland has put aside doubts over his commitment to the club to sign a new five-year deal at Eastlands.

Robbie Keane today delivered a simple message to the Republic of Ireland’s emerging crop of youngsters: “Go and enjoy yourselves”.

Republic of Ireland boss Steve Staunton feels “these are exciting times” as a new crop of youngsters prepare to make their mark on the international stage.

“THERE’S only one San Marino,” the mini-Tartan Army gleefully mocked the locals in Dalymount Park last night. Certainly, there wasn’t too much to sing about in this scoreless ‘B’ international, and Irish fans will be hoping for a much livelier affair at Lansdowne Road tonight.

CORK CITY'S Shane Long is set to make his full debut for Ireland as Sean McCaffrey's under-19s strive to get their UEFA qualifying challenge back on track against Albania here in Serbia this afternoon.

UCD’s Gary Dicker and Richard Keogh of Stoke City can expect a baptism of fire as they make their youth international debuts for the Republic of Ireland against Italy in Corato this afternoon (KO 1.30pm Irish time).

Ireland Under-17 manager Sean McCaffrey has included for home-based players in his squad of 20 players for a four team tournament in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, from February 2 – 7 next.

Ryan O’Leary, son of former Irish international Pierce O’Leary and nephew of new Aston Villa manager David O’Leary, has been named in a squad of 18 players for a four-nation tournament in Hungary from August 12 to August 17.

Irish youngsters Darren Ash and Darren Gibson have joined Carlisle United on trial.

Irish youngsters Darren Ash and Darren Gibson have joined Carlisle United on trial.