Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Ireland v Paraguay preview


Ireland Manager Giovanni Trapattoni will field an experienced Ireland side in tonight’s friendly against Paraguay despite a number of withdrawals.

Shay Given, Richard Dunne, Aiden McGeady and Kevin Kilbane are missing but Robbie Keane, Damien Duff, John O'Shea and Kevin Doyle will all start.

Regulars Glenn Whelan, Keith Andrews, Sean St Ledger are also included as is Fulham defender Stephen Kelly.

With Given missing, Coventry keeper Keiren Westwood will start in goal. The twenty-five-year-old will win his fourth cap as he deputises for the injured Given and has been praised by boss Giovanni Trapattoni.

Trapattoni said: “Westwood is a goalkeeper with a great personality. Physically, he is fantastic.

“He has personality and a presence that I like very much, and I don’t think he will be fazed by the game.”

Wolves striker Doyle missed training on Sunday because of a sore throat but has been passed fit to play.

Tuesday's game and Friday's contest at the RDS against Algeria will be part of the squad's preparations for the European Championship qualifiers which start in early September with the away trip to Armenia.

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