Team news: McClean and Kelleher start as Ferguson and Moran held in reserve 

Adam Idah will lead the line for the Republic of Ireland.

FROM THE START: Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher before the international friendly match between the Republic of Ireland and New Zealand at Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Republic of Ireland boss Stephen Kenny has handed Liverpool's Caoimhín Kelleher a chance between the sticks for tonight's visit of New Zealand to the Aviva Stadium. 

Centurion James McClean will win his 103rd and final cap in green, having been named to start the end-of-year friendly. Shane Duffy returns to captain the side, where he will form a defensive rearguard alongside Matt Doherty and Norwich's Andrew Omobamidele. 

Mark Sykes starts for Ireland for the first time, while Adam Idah will lead the line, with Evan Ferguson and Andy Moran - called up from the under-21s ahead of the Netherlands defeat - among the substitutes. 

Jason Knight and Doherty are the only survivors from the Amsterdam encounter. 

Kick-off is at 7.45pm.

The Republic of Ireland team is as follows: 

STARTING XI | Ireland v New Zealand

Congratulations to Mark Sykes who starts for Ireland for the first time as James McClean starts in his final appearance 💚

Kelleher, Idah, Omobamidele, Molumby, McGrath, Duffy & Johnston all start (KO 7.45pm) 🇮🇪 pic.twitter.com/hE94LfEhmE

— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) November 21, 2023