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.

The Icelander appears to be sticking with a flat back four, Celtic’s Liam Scales drafted in alongside Nathan Collins with Dara O’Shea redeployed to right back and veteran Robbie Brady retaining his starting spot.

Jason Knight partners the returning Josh Cullen in midfield of a 4-2-3-1 formation with Middlesbrough's Finn Azaz operating behind Ferguson in the absence of the injured Will Smallbone. 

Kick -off at the Helsinki Olympic Stadium is 7.45pm, Irish time.

Ireland XI vs Finland (poss. 4-2-3-1): Kelleher; O'Shea, Collins (C), Scales, Brady; Cullen, Knight; Ogbene, Azaz, Szmodics; Ferguson.