Jamie McGrath will make his first start for the Republic of Ireland in tonight's World Cup qualifier against Portugal at the Estadio Algarve.
The St Mirren play-maker has been handed a place in the side by manager Stephen Kenny and will line-out in the middle of the park alongside Jeff Hendrick and Josh Cullen.
Shane Duffy was also named in the Ireland XI, the Derry defender returning to the side having missed the last two competitive games against Luxembourg and Serbia.
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Stephen Kenny is confident his Ireland team can contain Portugal and says debutant Jamie McGrath 'tactically gives us something different'.
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The Derry native joins John Egan and Dara O'Shea in the heart of the defence, with Matt Doherty and Seamus Coleman set to start as wing-backs on the left and right flank respectively.
Up front, Adam Idah will lead the line with Aaron Connolly joining the Cork man in attack.
Gavin Bazunu keeps his place in goal for the vital World Cup qualifier against Cristiano Ronaldo's side.
"Jamie had ten days with the squad and got to know the team. He gives us something different tactically," said the manager about McGrath, who makes his first start. "He will help us tactically and help us overload in midfield."
"I have been watching Aaron Connolly and Adan Idah, they have been in good form and hopefully they can bring that form into the game today."
"I think our back three are very compact. I like the way we are set up for [the attacking Portugal side]," added Kenny.
Meanwhile, Shane Long has been ruled out of the match as a result of a positive Covid test.
An FAI statement read: "The player has been isolated from the group as per COVID-19 protocols ahead of tonight's FIFA 2022 World Cup qualifier against Portugal and we wish Shane well in his recovery."
Cristiano Ronaldo captains the home side and looks set to start in a front three alongside Rafa Silva and Diogo Jota.
Portugal: 1 Rui Patrício (GK) 3 Pepe 4 Rúben Dias 5 Raphaël Guerreiro 6 João Palhinha 7 Cristiano Ronaldo (C), 10 Bernardo Silva 11 Bruno Fernandes 15 Rafa Silva 20 João Cancelo 21 Diogo Jota.
Republic of Ireland: Gavin Bazunu; Shane Duffy, John Egan, Dara O'Shea; Seamus Coleman, Matt Doherty, Josh Cullen, Jeff Hendrick, Jamie McGrath; Adam Idah, Aaron Connolly.
