Finnan to start on the right

28-year-old Finnan, who started against the Swiss last time out as a left-back, comes in for youngster Reid - who although scoring on his competitive debut against Cyprus last month, is lacking in much-needed experience for what is a very daunting tast.

L'Equipe have reported on their website that Finnan's number 3 jersey is taken by the fit-again John O'Shea, with the Kenny Cunningham-Andy O'Brien axis intack in the centre.

Everton winger Kevin Kilbane makes another start in the centre of midfield alongside former skipper Roy Keane.

Chelsea wide man Damien Duff mans the left wing with Robbie Keane and Clinton Morrison paired together again up front.

Brian Kerr's side have scored five goals through Keane and Morrison on their last six starts together.

Ireland have won just once on French soil at senior level - and that came in a friendly 67 years ago! Their winless record stretches back through World Cup qualifiers in 1954, 1974, 1978 and 1982.

Republic of Ireland (4-4-2): Shay Given; Stephen Carr, Kenny Cunningham (Capt), Andy O'Brien, John O'Shea; Steve Finnan, Kevin Kilbane, Roy Keane, Damien Duff; Robbie Keane, Clinton Morrison.