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The Ireland players arrived at Aviva Stadium earlier this evening. Bryan Keane/INPHO

Doherty starts for Ireland as Ebosele, O'Dowda and Johnston also face Finland

Manager Heimir Hallgrímsson has been forced into some changes as a result of injury for tonight’s Nations League clash in Dublin.

HEIMIR HALLGRÍMSSON HAS reintroduced Matt Doherty to the Republic of Ireland starting XI to face Finland in the Nations League tonight.

The defender was left out of last month’s squad and was initially not included in the 23-man panel this time around. Injury and withdrawals led to his return and further disruption to the manager’s plans means the 32-year-old will start for the first time since the 2-0 to England in September.

Festy Ebosele also comes in for his first international start on the right side while Callum O’Dowda has been given the nod at left back with Mikey Johnston in front of him on the wing.

Dara O’Shea has not won his battle to play but has been named on the bench.

Troy Parrott started against Greece in Athens last month but drops out with Sammie Szmodics likely to play in a more central role alongside Evan Ferguson.

Ireland team: Caoimhín Kelleher; Matt Doherty, Nathan Collins (captain), Liam Scales, Callum O’Dowda; Festy Ebosele, Josh Cullen, Jason Knight, Mikey Johnston; Sammie Szmodics, Evan Ferguson.

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    Mute Ray Ridge
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    Nov 14th 2024, 6:51 PM

    The first of two must win games for Ireland this weekend. There can be no more excuses.

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    Mute anthony davoren
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    Nov 14th 2024, 7:24 PM

    @Ray Ridge: Ara stop Ray with your anti Irish nonsense. Doesn’t matter what sport you are always hating on Ireland.

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    Mute Ray Ridge
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    Nov 14th 2024, 7:27 PM

    @anthony davoren: What are you on about. We simply have to win these games, or things are even worse than I imagined. But the good news is, I actually think we will win both today and tomorrow.

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    Mute Tony Connolly
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    Nov 14th 2024, 6:53 PM

    I like the balance of this team. First time in a long time I am feeling positive

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    Mute Bert Carolan
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    Nov 14th 2024, 7:07 PM

    O dowda at left back despite the fact that he cannot defend.
    Midfield likely to get over run.
    Parrot should start rather than Ferguson.

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    Mute michael graham
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    Nov 14th 2024, 9:45 PM

    A win is a win I suppose

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    Mute damien reidy
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    Nov 14th 2024, 7:16 PM

    There can only be one

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    Mute Noel Doherty
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    Nov 14th 2024, 7:41 PM

    @damien reidy: McCloud!

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