Ireland v Senegal: Kasey McAteer and Jack Taylor make first Irish starts
Ireland take on the might of Senegal in a friendly at the Aviva Stadium this evening (kick-off 7.45pm).
Heimir Hallgrimsson's side face an African nation unbeaten in their last 20 games – a tough challenge in preparation for the big World Cup qualifications to come later this year.
Catch all the action as it happens here.
5 minutes ago
The Indo Sport Podcast is worth the listen this week – ex-Ireland international Meabh De Burca and Dan McDonnell delve into both Ireland's men's and women's national teams, Stephen Bradley's comments and reaction to Caoimhin Kelleher's transfer:
Indo Sport podcast: The Football Show | Heimir's last test drive until World Cup run | Ireland are stagnant - can Carla Ward adapt?
Former Ireland international Meabh De Burca joins Joe to react to an international window where Carla Ward stuck to her guns and style of play - but how much is it working so far?
www.independent.ie
9 minutes ago
Robbie Brady sat down with RTE this week for an insightful interview into the Dubliner's life in green:
15 minutes ago
Good evening and welcome to another Independent.ie live blog as Ireland take on Senegal in the first of two summer international friendlies. My name is Ultán Corcoran and I will be keeping you updated as the action unfolds on the pitch.
The Aviva Stadium is the venue for this evening's game with a strong home crowd expected to cheer on Heimir Hallgrimsson's Boys in Green. The game is being televised over on RTE 2 and the RTE Player online with coverage starting from 7pm. Kick-off is a fraction later at 7.45pm.
20 minutes ago
Kasey McAteer and Jack Taylor will make their first Irish starts in tonight's friendly against Senegal, while Adam Idah will lead the line with Troy Parrott and Evan Ferguson benched.
Leicester winger McAteer and Ipswich engine room operator Taylor get a chance to impress in the midfield department - an area where Heimir Hallgrimsson is missing several established Championship squad members.
Will Smallbone also comes into the side, with Hallgrimsson suggesting yesterday that he saw the Southampton player as an attacking midfielder and not a defensive one. That suggests he could slot into the position vacated by the absent Finn Azaz.
Celtic striker Idah gets the nod up top with Parrott - who has been struggling with sickness - dropping to the bench. There is also no start for Evan Ferguson, who arrived into camp short of gametime after a very disappointing loan at West Ham.
As expected, Hallgrimsson has gone with a back four of Matt Doherty, Nathan Collins, Dara O'Shea and Robbie Brady
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