Steven Reid's long-awaited comeback in an Irish jersey has been put on ice due to a knee injury but Damien Duff, another long-term absentee, returns to pit his wits against the Brazilians in tomorrow night's friendly at Croke Park.
Republic of Ireland caretaker manager Don Givens announced his starting line-up this afternoon with Duff and Aiden McGeady providing the width in a side determined to attack the high-profile visitors to GAA headquarters.
Reid was unable to participate in training since joining up with the squad and has returned to Blackburn for further treatment. Givens took the opportunity to call up new Stoke recruit Glenn Whelan as cover for the midfielder.
"Stephen Reid has gone home unfortunately. As I thought, he was struggling a bit. It was pointless taking any risks with him in a friendly match so he's gone home," said Givens today.
Niggling concerns over the fitness of Robbie Keane have been eased and the Ireland captain will once again lead the line alongside Reading's Kevin Doyle.
Givens also revealed that Andy O'Brien, who has announced his retirement from international football, had been in touch with him but was reluctant to rethink his decision, for the time being at least.
"He (O'Brien) phoned back last night and I did talk it through with him - I don't think the door is completely closed - but at the moment he seems to be fixed on what he said," added Givens.
The retirements of Steve Finnan, Stephen Carr and O'Brien, coupled with the withdrawal of Joey O'Brien through injury means that Wigan's Kevin Kilbane will again start at left back, where he began the games against Germany, Cyprus and Wales in the latter stages of the Euro 2008 qualifiers.
Duff's return to the fray is a welcome one, however, and a fillip to all involved according to the captain.
"It's a big boost for everyone in the squad and for the nation itself," said Keane. "As Don (Givens) said he's been looking really well, especially in training, looking really sharp.
"His ability to beat players and get crosses in is among the best in the Premiership, so to have someone like that to provide crosses for you, for a striker, it's brilliant."
Keane wasn't aware AC Milan's Kaka had withdrawn from the game through injury but admits if the "best player in the world" is missing "it's only a good thing for us."
Darren Potter is doubtful to take his place among the substitutes after suffering a bout of illness overnight. Should the Wolves midfielder fail to recover Givens is unlikely to bring in another replacement at this late stage.
Rep of Ireland: Given; Kelly, Dunne, O'Shea, Kilbane; Duff, Carsley, Miller, McGeady; Keane, Doyle.
