Debut for Idah against Bulgaria as Doherty gets nod over Coleman

Adam Idah during a Republic of Ireland training session at FAI National Training Centre in Abbotstown, Dublin. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Stephen Kenny promised change and he has delivered it more than an hour before his first game in charge of the Republic of Ireland, against Bulgaria, by handing a senior debut to Adam Idah and opting for Matt Doherty over Seamus Coleman at right-back.

Kenny has plumped for a 4-3-3 formation which will see James McCarthy hold the anchor role in midfield. It will also be his first appearance for Ireland in almost four years. The choice of Callum O'Dowda as one of the front three is another sign of a shake-up.