Shane Duffy returns to Ireland side for French test
Shane Duffy will make his first Ireland appearance for 15 months after getting the nod by Stephen Kenny to start against Europe’s top team in Paris tonight (7.45pm).
France can all but assure their passage to next year’s Euros if they make it a perfect record of five straight wins. Record scorer Oliver Giroud had been selected by Didier Deschamps ahead of Randal Kolo Muani to lead the line.
Kenny has chosen Alan Browne to operate as the right-wing back responsible for shackling Kylian Mbappé.
The Leesider has been in fine form for the club he captains, Preston North End, but that’s functioning as an advanced support to their frontmen.
Kenny has trusted Browne in that position previously and will again for the ultimate test against the PSG speedster.
Elsewhere, Duffy’s aerial ability will has earned him favour over Dara O’Shea as the third centre-back, while Adam Idah is one of six changes to the team that beat Gibraltar 3-0 in June.
That was Ireland’s first win, following defeats to France (0-1) and Greece (1-2). They host Netherlands on Sunday at Aviva Stadium.
FRANCE: (4-2-3-1): M Maignan; J Koundé, L Hernandez, D Upamecano, T Hernandez; A Rabiot, A Tchouaméni; O Dembele, A Griezmann, K Mbappé; O Giroud.
IRELAND (3-4-2-1): G Bazunu; N Collins, J Egan, S Duffy; A Browne J Molumby, J Cullen, E Stevens; C Ogbene, J Knight; A Idah.
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