McShane to captain Ireland

Hull defender Paul McShane will captain the Republic of Ireland in tomorrow night’s friendly clash with Italy in Belgium.

With regular skipper Robbie Keane released from the squad along with Shay Given and Glenn Whelan carrying a knock, McShane will lead his country out at the Maurice Dufrasne Stadium, the home of Standard Liege.

Manager Giovanni Trapattoni has doubts over Darren O’Dea and Stephen Hunt and will not finalise his team until after training tonight with Stephen Kelly and Liam Lawrence standing by.

But there will be a start for Millwall keeper David Forde, while Andy Keogh will partner Shane Long in attack.

Team: David Forde; Paul McShane, Sean St Ledger, Darren O’Dea or Stephen Kelly, Stephen Ward; Seamus Coleman, Keith Andrews, Kevin Foley, Stephen Hunt or Liam Lawrence; Andy Keogh, Shane Long.