Republic of Ireland starting team set for Wales clash

Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny has named his starting XI for his side's Nations League clash with Wales on Sunday.

The boys in green will be in Cardiff for their penultimate Group H Nations League match, with the side still searching for their first win under Kenny.

Ireland have only scored one goal in regular time in the seven matches since Kenny has taken over, and are currently heading into their ninth match without a win.

Early in his tenure at the helm of the national side, Kenny has had to deal with a number of off the field issues, including positive COVID-19 cases in his staff and squad.

Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny prior to the UEFA Nations League B match between Wales and Republic of Ireland at Cardiff City Stadium in Cardiff, Wales. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

He has been dealt another blow of this sort heading into today's clash, as Alan Browne had tested positive after their match with England on Thursday.

England exposed the Irish defence in that international friendly, which allowed them to score the most goals against Kenny's side in seven matches.

Ireland starting XI

Kenny has rung in the changes following the England defeat, with five players coming into the starting line up.

James McClean comes in for Bristol City's Callum O'Dowda, while Adam Idah leads the attack up front. Wycombe Wanderer's striker Daryl Horgan completes the front three.

Brighton & Hove Albion's Jayson Molumby will take Browne's spot in the midfield.

STARTING XI | Wales v Ireland

James McClean, Kevin Long, Dara O'Shea, Jayson Molumby & Robbie Brady all start 👊

Jack Byrne, Ryan Manning & Jason Knight all named on the bench 💪

KO | 5pm
📺 | @SkyFootball (@VMSportIE Extended Highlights)#COYBIG | #WALIRL pic.twitter.com/elGXhUIZXY

— FAIreland ⚽️🇮🇪 (@FAIreland) November 15, 2020

Robbie Brady makes a return to the starting team, in place of the Conor Hourihane, completing the midfield with Newcastle's Jeff Hendrick and Molumby.

Matt Doherty, who made headlines after the England defeat for his post-match honesty, will start in the back four, with Burnley's Kevin Long returning to the starting team.

The side will be captained by Shane Duffy in the continued absence of Seamus Coleman, with Dara O'Shea coming in to complete the back four.

Darren Randoplh maintains his starting spot in goals.

Republic of Ireland team v Wales

Randolph
Doherty Long Duffy O’Shea
Hendrick Mulomby Brady
Horgan Idah McClean#coybig @offtheball

— Nathan Murphy (@nathanmurf) November 15, 2020