Hallgrimsson rings changes with Ferguson, Azaz, Cullen and Scales in to face Finns

Ireland manager shuffles his deck significantly as he chases the first points of his reign in Helsinki 

FRONT TO BACK: Evan Ferguson, left, and Caoimhin Kelleher both start in Helsinki. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Evan Ferguson has been handed his first start in the Heimir Hallgrímsson era by leading the line for Ireland against Finland.

The Brighton striker has started just once for his club this season but Ireland are in dire need of ending a barren run of eight consecutive defeats in competitive matches - bar minnows Gibraltar.