McAteer to skipper Ireland on 50th appearance

JASON McATEER will captain Ireland against Finland tomorrow to mark his 50th international appearance.

McAteer, who is 31, shares with Gary Kelly the distinction of being the most senior player in the squad of 16 to play Finland in a friendly in Helsinki.

The retirement of Steve Staunton after the World Cup left the position of captain open and it remains to be seen whether McAteer will continue to act in this capacity.