Hendrick named in new Irish midfield

Giovanni Trapattoni is realistic about his side’s slim chances but that hasn’t stopped him sending out a youthful midfield to take on the might of Spain at Yankee Stadium at 8pm local time tonight (1am Irish time).

The Ireland boss handed Derby County’s Jeff Hendrick his first ever start at international level, his fourth cap overall, and he will partner James McCarthy in the centre of midfield with Seamus Coleman and Andy Keogh on the flanks.

“I’m sure Spain will win,” he admitted at the team hotel in Jersey City yesterday. “But it will be a good test for us.”