Stephen Kenny has named his Republic of Ireland team to face Qatar in Budapest this evening.
The Ireland boss will be hoping to bounce back with a positive result after Saturday's defeat to Luxembourg, now entering his 11th game in charge without a victory.
Gavin Bazunu has retained his place in goals after impressing in his debut at the weekend.
With Matt Doherty and Enda Stevens out injured, Cyrus Christie and Shane Duffy come into the defence. Christie could be starting at left back in a back four.
Jeff Hendrick, Jayson Molumby, and Robbie Brady also come into the midfield, while Shane Long starts up front. Daryl Horgan and James McClean will be playing out wide.
In all, there is eight changes to the side that started in Dublin on Saturday. Here is the team in full:
STARTING XI | Qatar v Ireland
▪️ Wholesale changes as only Bazunu, Coleman & O'Shea remain from Luxembourg defeat
▪️ Shane Duffy, Shane Long, Daryl Horgan, Cyrus Chrstie & James McClean among those to start
KO | 7.45pm (8.45pm local time)#WEAREONE | #COYBIG | #QATIRL pic.twitter.com/UQUNcvxw1j— FAIreland ⚽️🇮🇪 (@FAIreland) March 30, 2021
While this may only be a friendly, Stephen Kenny will no doubt be desperate to earn his first win in charge of Ireland tonight. This will be his last attempt to do so before the June international window.
It won't be an easy task. Qatar may not be a nation with a long footballing history, but they have made major strides in recent years ahead of next year's World Cup. They win the 2019 Asian Cup and are currently placed in 58th place in the FIFA world rankings.
Hopefully Ireland can end this miserable international break with that elusive victory.
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