With Giovanni Trapattoni in Mater Hospital, suffering nausea caused by shellfish he ate in Italy, Marco Tardelli has named Manchester City keeper Shay Given to start ahead of the City keeper who has been in goal for Ireland's last two internationals.
Former Sky Blue Robbie Keane wins his 100th cap for the Republic and told the ROI FA website:
"I still have that buzz and enthusiasm for the game. I always want to play for my country. "You've all known for many years, I've never pulled out of squads for any reason.
"But I love playing for my country, I love coming back, and I don't think that will ever change.
"It's hard to believe, though, it'll be my 100th cap. For years I didn't think about how many I might win. "But as it has drawn closer then it has obviously been more and more in my sights. "I know I'm very fortunate to have reached 100 caps, but hopefully there will be a few more to come after.
"So I'm really looking forward to the occasion, particularly as my little lad is going to be the mascot. "That's great for me. Having him on the pitch with me will make it an even more special ocaasion."