CALLUM OโDOWDA WILL be given a chance to impress Stephen Kenny, likely at left wing-back, as he has been named in the Irish team to face Norway in tonightโs international friendly game at the Aviva Stadium.
OโDowda was a regular in attack in Kennyโs opening few games but missed a vast swathe of games through injury, but, now fit, has forced his way back into contention. He is likely to play at left wing-back with Robbie Brady and James McClean on the bench: OโDowda has played in that position for his club Cardiff City this season.
His Cardiff team-mate Callum Robinson also starts, partnering Michael Obafemi in attack. The back three of Nathan Collins, John Egan, and Dara OโShea remains unchanged, with Matt Doherty at right wing back. Josh Cullen returns to midfield having missed the most recent game through suspension, while Alan Browne replaces Jason Knight, who is not included as he has not been released by his club. Jayson Molumby keeps his place, as does Gavin Bazunu.
Teenage striker Evan Ferguson is on the bench, as is new call-up Will Smallbone. They sit there with a wealth of experience beside them, including Brady, Jeff Hendrick, James McClean, and Seamus Coleman.
Erling Haaland has not travelled with Norway, though Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard starts.
STARTING XI | Ireland v Norway
โ FAIreland โฝ๏ธ๐ฎ๐ช (@FAIreland) November 17, 2022
Callum O'Dowda & Callum Robinson come into the starting line-up for tonight's international friendly at the @AVIVAStadium โคต๏ธ
John Egan ยฉ๏ธ with kick-off at 7.45pm โ๏ธ
๐๐ข๐จ๐ ๐๐ก๐ ๐ฃ๐ฅ๐ข๐จ๐ ๐ง๐ข๐ก๐๐๐๐ง ๐ฎ๐ช pic.twitter.com/yc4mdYH1zU
Vi er klare for ๐ฎ๐ช klokka 20:45 pรฅ TV 2 โ#sterkeresammen pic.twitter.com/8Z2rSS6YqR
โ Fotballandslaget (@nff_landslag) November 17, 2022
Didnโt know he was on the field until they got the penalty