Places up for grabs - Kilbane

Kevin Kilbane believes the Republic of Ireland’s latest crop of youngsters can cement their places in the national side for years to come with a strong showing on tour in America this week.

Kilbane captains a makeshift and inexperienced Ireland side against Ecuador tonight (1.00am Irish Time) in an international friendly at Giants Stadium in New Jersey, a situation the Wigan midfielder believes draws parallels with a US trip during Mick McCarthy’s tenure as manager.