Ireland bows for Ward and Cox

Republic of Ireland v Northern Ireland

Wolves utility man Stephen Ward and West Brom striker Simon Cox were making their Republic of Ireland debuts against Northern Ireland tonight.

Ward was a surprise inclusion by manager Giovanni Trapattoni for the Carling Nations Cup match in Dublin while Everton’s Seamus Coleman was preferred to Portsmouth’s Liam Lawrence.

Northern Ireland lined up as expected with Gareth McAuley as captain and youngster Josh Carson winning his first cap.

Teams:

Rep of Ireland: Given, McShane, Ward, Kelly, Delaney, Coleman, Andrews, Foley, Treacy, Keane, Cox. Replacements: Forde, Keogh, Lawrence, St. Ledger, Hunt, O’Dea, Randolph.

Northern Ireland: Blayney, Thompson, Cathcart, McAuley, Hodson, Carson, Clingan, Davis, Gorman, Feeney, McQuoid. Replacements: Tuffey, Winchester, Garrett, Boyce, Dallas, Coates, McGinn, Norwood, Owens.

Referee: Craig Thomson (Scotland)