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Monday, 27 February 2012

Republic Debut Likely for McClean


Sunderland's James McClean looks certain to make his Republic of Ireland debut in Wednesday's friendly against the Czech Republic in Dublin.

Giovanni Trapattoni has said that he will take the opportunity to give a run-out to several fringe players.

"It will be a good opportunity to see players," said the Republic manager.

Defender Stephen Kelly and keeper Keiren Westwood are out because of injury and Portsmouth keeper Stephen Henderson has been called up.

Fulham full-back Kelly has a thigh problem while Sunderland Westwood is suffering from a wrist injury.

Keith Fahey and Kevin Doyle sat out training on Monday morning as a precaution but are expected to be fit.

Trapattoni named McClean and another uncapped Derryman Shane Duffy among five players likely to play some part in Wednesday's game.

"We have [Simon] Cox and [Jonathan] Walters and [Shane] Long in the strikers but Duffy and McClean can also play."

Trapattoni made clear his admiration for ex-Derry City player McClean.

"Now he plays on the left but I think in the future he can play left or right because he has a good personality.

"When he has the ball he knows what he can do.

"At the moment he is young but he has enough experience."

Regular centre-back Richard Dunne and Everton's Darron Gibson are missing Wednesday's game because of injury.