Derry’s Shane Duffy hoping to get the nod and partner John O’Shea in the Republic’s starting line up against Sweden
DERRY’S Shane Duffy will find out later today if he will be in Martin O’Neill’s line up for the Republic’s opening clash against Sweden in the Euros 2016.
O’Neill will decide on whether to partner Duffy with centre half John O’Shea in defence.
Duffy’s set-piece prowess in the opposition penalty area possibly could earn the 24-year-old the nod over Ciaran Clark.
Creggan’s James McClean is also hoping he will be in the starting 11 line up and earn his 37th cap for the Republic.
The south Derry manager is optimistic Robbie Keane and James McCarthy will be available despite respective calf and hamstring injuries.
The pair will be monitored, as will Stoke’s Jonathan Walters, who returned to full training on Saturday following an Achilles problem.
Sweden’s Albin Ekdal has recovered after suffering a deep cut to his back during a fall at a nightclub in May.
However, the midfielder may lack match fitness and is unlikely to start.
Darren Randolph has been first-choice goalkeeper in recent matches but Keiren Westwood and veteran Shay Given are also in contention in a close battle for the number one jersey.
