Duff to start against Brazil, Reid out

Republic of Ireland winger Damien Duff will start his first international game for 10 months against Brazil at Croke Park tomorrow night (7.45pm).

Ireland caretaker manager Don Givens named the Newcastle United player for his 67th cap in a midfield alongside Lee Carsley, Liam Miller and Aiden McGeady.

However, Steven Reid has failed to recover from the knee complaint which prevented him from taking any part in training since he assembled with the squad on Sunday.

The midfielder has returned to Blackburn Rovers to receive treatment and Glenn Whelan, signed on deadline day last week by Stoke City from Sheffield Wednesday, has gained his first call-up to the senior squad as a replacement.

Whelan was previously captain of the Ireland Under-21 squad until 2006 and won his first cap at 'B' level against Scotland last November.

Shay Given will play in goal, ahead of the defence containing Steven Kelly, John O’Shea, Richard Dunne and Kevin Kilbane.

Robbie Keane will be partnered by Kevin Doyle in attack.

Ireland team: Shay Given (Newcastle United), Stephen Kelly (Birmingham City). John O’Shea (Manchester United), Richard Dunne (Manchester City), Kevin Kilbane (Wigan Athletic), Aiden McGeady (Celtic), Lee Carsley (Everton), Liam Miller (Sunderland), Damien Duff (Newcastle United), Robbie Keane (Tottenham Hotstpur), Kevin Doyle (Reading).