Will Smallbone makes debut as Michael Obafemi gets nod to start alongside Evan Ferguson

Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny has handed Will Smallbone his debut and selected Michael Obafemi to partner Evan Ferguson up front for tonight's friendly against Latvia, while Caoimhin Kelleher starts in goal.

On loan Stoke midfielder Smallbone makes his debut in an engine room trio alongside Alan Browne and Jayson Molumby.

Kenny had already confirmed that 18-year-old Ferguson, who earned his first two senior caps in November, would make his full debut at the Aviva Stadium following a meteoric rise at club level for Brighton.

Kenny has opted to stick with the 3-5-2 system and Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher has been given the nod in goal ahead of Gavin Bazunu.

The back three in front of him consists of Nathan Collins, Dara O'Shea and the returning Andrew Omobamidele.

Matt Doherty captains the side from right wing-back with Callum O'Dowda on the left flank.

Kick-off is at 7.45pm with live television coverage on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player from 7pm.

Republic of Ireland: Kelleher, Doherty, O'Shea, Omobamidele, Collins, O'Dowda, Browne, Molumby, Smallbone, Obafemi, Ferguson.

Subs: Bazunu, Travers, Egan, Cullen, Parrott, McClean, Hendrick, Keane, Knight, McGrath, Ogbene, Sykes, Johnston.

Latvia: Steinbors, Sorokins, Cernomordijs, Savavnieks, Balodis, Tobers, Zjuzins, Ciganiks, Janis Ikaunieks, Gutkowski, Uldrikis.

Subs: Ozols, Purins, Oss, Dubra, Tonisevs, Davis Ikaunieks, Stuglis, Krollis, Saveljevs, Varslavans, Birka, Daskevics.

Watch Republic of Ireland v Latvia in an international friendly on Wednesday from 7pm live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player, follow a live blog on RTÉ.ie/Sport and the RTÉ News app and listen to live commentary on RTÉ Radio 1 Extra

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