MARTIN O’NEILL HAS named a strong starting line-up for this evening’s international friendly with Italy (7.45pm).
David Forde returns between the sticks after Rob Elliot made his debut last week, while Alex Pearce comes into a back four alongside Seamus Coleman, captain John O’Shea and Stephen Ward.
Hull’s David Meyler and Jeff Hendrick are rewarded for good seasons at club level with starts in midfield and Anthony Pilkington replaces James McClean out wide while Aiden McGeady is on the other wing.
After a man-of-the-match showing in the defeat to Turkey, Wes Hoolahan retains his spot behind lone striker Shane Long.
Ireland team v Italy: Forde, Coleman, O’Shea, Pearce, Ward, McGeady, Hendrick, Meyler, Pilkington, Hoolahan, Long.