Gary Connaughton reporting from the Aviva Stadium
Stephen Kenny has named his Republic of Ireland team to take on France at the Aviva Stadium this evening, making five changes to the side that beat Latvia last week.
Gavin Bazunu returns in goal in the place of Caoimhín Kelleher, with the Liverpool man having started on Wednesday.
At the back, John Egan comes in to partner Nathan Collins and Dara O'Shea in the three-man defence. Captain Seamus Coleman has been included at right wingback, with Matt Doherty moving to the opposite flank in light of the injury to Callum O'Dowda.
In midfield, Josh Cullen and Jason Knight both come into the side having been rested against the Latvians. Jayson Molumby has also retained his place.
Up front, Evan Ferguson is set to make his competitive international debut and will be partnered by Chiedozie Ogbene.
Adam Idah has been named on the bench after recovering from his recent injury issue.
Here is the team in full.
STARTING XI | Ireland v France
Captain Seamus Coleman comes into the side whilst there are also starts for Egan, Cullen, Knight & Ogbene for the first @EURO2024 qualifier of the campaign 🇮🇪
Get into the ground early. Be loud, be proud 💚 pic.twitter.com/dKTFZk0Mo6— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) March 27, 2023
Gavin Bazunu; Seamus Coleman, Dara O'Shea, John Egan, Nathan Collins, Matt Doherty; Josh Cullen, Jayson Molumby, Jason Knight; Evan Ferguson, Chiedozie Ogbene.
This game will mark the start of Ireland's Euro 2024 qualifying campaign, although few will expect them to get a positive result in Dublin. France come into the fixture on the back of a 4-0 victory over the Netherlands in Paris on Friday night.
That quick turnaround could work in Ireland's favour. However, they would likely need to produce their best performance of the Stephen Kenny era in order to have any chance of picking up some points.
Fans will be excited to see what Evan Ferguson can do against top class international opposition, with the striker having netter his first Irish goal in the win over Latvia.
The defence will certainly have to be steadfast at the back in order to limit opportunities for an incredibly talented French attack, one that will pose a huge threat.
Hopefully they are up to the challenge.
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