IRELAND MANAGER MARTIN O’Neill has yet again sprung a couple of surprises in his starting XI for tonight’s Euro 2016 qualifier against Germany (7.45pm).
Shay Given starts in goal, with Derby County defender Cyrus Christie replacing the injured Seamus Coleman at right full-back and club-mate Richard Keogh alongside John O’Shea at centre-half.
Burnley’s Stephen Ward gets the nod at left-back with Robbie Brady pushed further forward on the same flank.
James McCarthy, Jeff Hendrick and Wes Hoolahan will make up a three-man midfield and Jon Walters should occupy the right side.
Meanwhile, Ipswich Town striker Daryl Murphy has been preferred to Shane Long and captain Robbie Keane.
IRELAND: Given; Christie, Keogh, O’Shea (c), Ward; Brady, McCarthy, Hendrick, Hoolahan, Walters; Murphy.
GERMANY: Neuer (c); Ginter, Boateng, Hummels, Hector; Özil, Kroos, Gündogan, Reus; Götze, Müller.
