Doherty And Coleman Could Start Against Serbia

Wednesday, 24 March 2021 07:51

Stephen Kenny has hinted he could try fitting both into his side.

Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny has hinted he could start both Matt Doherty and captain Seamus Coleman in tonight's World Cup qualifying opener.

They kickoff their 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign away to Serbia tonight.

Kenny yesterday confirmed that Bournemouth keeper Mark Travers will make his competitive debut in goal - owing to Draren Randolph's injury.

However the make up of the rest of Kenny's starting lineup remains unclear.

Previous manager Mick McCarthy found it difficult to accomodate both Doherty and Coleman in the same lineup, with both players playing right back for their clubs.

But the current boss says it makes sense to have two of his best players on the pitch.

Kick-off at the Red Star Stadium is at 7.45.

Match Officials
Referee: Davide Massa (ITA)
Assistant referees: Filippo Meli (ITA). Stefano Alassio (ITA)
Fourth official: Michael Fabbri (ITA)

Republic Of Ireland squad:

Goalkeepers: Mark Travers (AFC Bournemouth), Gavin Bazunu (Rochdale, on loan from Manchester City), Kieran O'Hara (Burton Albion).

Defenders: Seamus Coleman (Everton), Matt Doherty (Tottenham Hotspur), Shane Duffy (Celtic, on loan from Brighton and Hove Albion), Enda Stevens (Sheffield United), Ciaran Clark (Newcastle United), Dara O'Shea (West Bromwich Albion), Ryan Manning (Swansea City), Cyrus Christie (Nottingham Forest), Darragh Lenihan (Blackburn Rovers).

Midfielders: Alan Browne (Preston North End), Jeff Hendrick (Newcastle United), Jayson Molumby (Preston North End, on loan from Brighton and Hove Albion), Jason Knight (Derby County), Josh Cullen (Anderlecht), Conor Coventry (West Ham United).

Wingers: Robbie Brady (Burnley), James McClean (Stoke City), Daryl Horgan (Wycombe Wanderers), Ronan Curtis (Portsmouth).

Strikers: Callum Robinson (West Bromwich Albion), Aaron Connolly (Brighton and Hove Albion), Shane Long (AFC Bournemouth, on loan from Southampton), James Collins (Luton Town), Troy Parrott (Ipswich Town, on loan from Tottenham Hotspur).

Meanwhile at the same time, Group A favourites Portugal play host to Azerbaijan.

Wales also begin their qualification campaign tonight with a difficult Group E game away to Belgium.

However they will once again be without manager Ryan Giggs on the sidelines.

Giggs has been on leave since he was arrested on suspicion of assault last November.