Caffrey rings changes for U19 clash

SEAN McCAFFREY rings the changes to his Under-19s for today’s second friendly international with Italy in Bisceglie, confident of taking the game to the Italians following Tuesday’s 0-0 draw in Corato.

As well as being eager to see all his squad, two of whom remain uncapped, the Ireland manager will also experiment with a sweeper defence and three strikers.

Richard Keogh will drop in behind Darren O’Dea and Dave Elebert in central defence, while James Hand makes his debut at left-back.

Manchester United’s Darron Gibson, man of the match in anchoring midfield in the first game, is out with a bruised left foot while striker Andy Keogh has flown back to his club as arranged.

“As in the first match, the pitch is again very poor so we can’t really play it through midfield,” said McCaffrey.

“The approach to this game will be different. I’d like to get everyone in the squad playing at some stage.”

Team (probable): Randolph (Charlton); Dicker (UCD), O’Dea (Arsenal), R. Keogh (Stoke), Elebert (Preston), Hand (Huddersfield); Kelly (unattached), Foley (Aston Villa); Hayes (Reading), Clarke (Ipswich), O’Carroll (Celtic).