On-loan goalkeeper Nicky Colgan, 30 next month, will start an international for the first time, having come on as a subsitute on three previous occasions. At right back, Spurs' Steve Carr will notch a quarter century of international caps with his 25th appearance in the green shirt. Another man edging towards milestones is skipper Kenny Cunningham of Birmingham City who, in partnership with the Breeners himself, will earn his 49th cap tonight.
The most interesting experiment of the night is perhaps the naming of Liverpool's Steve Finnan on the righthand side of midfield. With Lee Carsley and Steven Reid both unavailable, this could be the Anfield number 3's opportunity to enhance his chances of a starting place for the Euro 2004 tie with Russia. Especially when you consider how many countries would give their eye teeth to have fullbacks of the calibre of John O'Shea and Steve Carr in their ranks?
All eyes will also be on new Chelsea recruit Damien Duff in his familiar club role of left winger. It is amazing to think that apart from being clubmates, our striking tandem of Robbie Keane and Gary Doherty are both still just 23. Just how many caps can Keane muster when you take into account that he's lining out for the 45th time tonight for his country and surely itching to add to his international goal tally of sixteen.