The Republic of Ireland will welcome Gibraltar to Dublin for the first time at senior competitive level as they go head to head in Saturday's Euro 2016 qualifier.

Martin O'Neill's side got off to a winning start in their qualifying campaign by securing a 2-1 victory over Georgia last month, with Aiden McGeady netting twice.

This weekend's opponents struggled in their first outing in this tournament following a 7-0 thumping by Poland.

Gibraltar's trip to Dublin is only their second away fixture since joining UEFA, but both nations have met at Under-17 level twice, with Ireland coming out on top each time.

On Saturday, O'Neill, who has insisted that the new autobiography of his assistant Roy Keane will not distract the team's focus for the game, will be without Everton duo Seamus Coleman and James McCarthy for the match.

The absence of Coleman means that Brian Lenihan may get his chance to play, despite the 20-year-old yet to play a senior game for Hull City following his arrival in the summer transfer window.

Goalkeeper Shay Given is out of the match due to a hip injury, but Aiden McGeady is likely to keep his place in the side following his brace against Georgia.

Recent form

Republic of Ireland: W

Gibraltar: L

Possible starting lineups

Republic of Ireland: Forde; Lenihan, O'Shea, Wilson, Ward; Meyler; Whelan, Walters, Keane, McGeady; Quinn

Gibraltar: J Perez; Wiseman, J Chipolina, Artell, R Chipolina; L Casciaro, R Bado, R Casciaro, Walker, B Perez; K Casciaro

Sports Mole says: 3-0

Written by
Danielle Joynson

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