McClean leads Ireland as Kenny rings the changes

James McClean has been named as the captain of Ireland on his 100th appearance for his country and is one of five changes, as under-pressure manager Stephen Kenny names his side for the Euro 2024 qualifier against Gibraltar.

Fresh from a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Greece in Athens, Dara O'Shea, Jamie McGrath, Jason Knight and Michael Obafemi also come into the starting line-up with Kenny making five changes to his line-up.

Darragh Lenihan, Callum O'Dowda, Jayson Molumby, Adam Idah and the suspended Matt Doherty are the players to drop out.

Ireland's formation for the game isn't immediately clear but Knight looks likely to be deployed as a right wing-back with McClean on the opposite flank.

Obafemi looks set to lead the line up front with Ferguson tucking in behind him.

A win is essential for Ireland's fading hopes of qualifying for Euro 2024 to last past the summer.

Republic of Ireland: Gavin Bazunu; Dara O'Shea, John Egan, Nathan Collins; Jason Knight, James McClean, Josh Cullen, Will Smallbone, Jamie McGrath; Evan Ferguson, Michael Obafemi

Gibraltar: Dayle Coleing, John Sergeant, Louie Annesley, Nicholas Pozo, Ayoub El Hmidi, Bernardo Lopes, Niels Hartman, Jayce Olivero, Roy Chipolina (capt), Kian Ronan, Ethan Britto

Referee: Marian Alexandru Barbu (ROU)

STARTING XI | Ireland v Gibraltar James McClean (C) confirmed in the side who will now claim his 100th cap tonight as Michael Obafemi comes into the side