Shane Duffy out, Coleman & Doherty start in Serbia

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Shane Duffy has been left out of the Irish team for tonight’s World Cup qualifying match against Serbia.

The Celtic defender on loan has been omitted by coach Stephen Kenny, who named Seamus Coleman and Matt Doherty in the starting lineup.

The two defenders on the right side have settled into a formation that will likely see Ireland start with three central defenders facing rookie goalkeeper Mark Travers, who makes his first competitive start for Ireland.

Ireland captain Coleman looks set to line up in a three alongside Ciaran Clark and Dara O’Shea, while Doherty will likely play right back.

Enda Stevens will play on the left side in a winger role, while Josh Cullen, Jayson Molumby and Alan Browne start in midfield.

Aaron Connolly and Callum Robinson will lead the line for the season opener.

The coach has sidelined several seasoned players, as well as Duffy, with Jeff Hendrick, Robbie Brady and James McClean all named among the substitutes.

Previously, it was confirmed that Troy Parrott would not participate in Ireland’s first World Cup qualifying match against Serbia in Belgrade tonight as the Tottenham teenager has been left out of the team of the day.

Stephen Kenny had said the Irish forward was not in contention to start the away game when he was named to the squad, and must now look to Luxembourg on Saturday for some international action.

The 19-year-old on loan, currently at Ipswich, made his senior international debut during the Mick McCarthy era in a friendly against New Zealand.

Kenny introduced his 23-man team for the day today, with Ronan Curtis from Portsmouth, Ryan Manning from Swansea and Conor Coventry from West Ham, the others missing.

Blackburn’s Darragh Lenihan was another late call-up to the team following Kevin Long’s retirement, and Meath’s man has been named among defenders.

Republic of Ireland: Mark Travers; Seamus Coleman, Matt Doherty, Enda Stevens, Ciaran Clark, Dara O’Shea; Alan Browne, Jayson Molumby, Josh Cullen; Callum Robinson, Aaron Connolly.

Follow Serbia v Republic of Ireland via our live blog on RTÉ.ie / sport and the RTÉ News app, watch live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player or listen to commentary on RTÉ 2fm’s Game On.



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