Long ready to make Republic debut

San Marino v Rep of Ireland Wednesday, 7 February
(1945 GMT)
Live coverage on the BBC Sport website

Long has scored three goals in his last five games for Reading

Reading striker Shane Long will make his Republic of Ireland debut in the Euro 2008 qualifying clash against San Marino on Wednesday.

Royals team-mate Kevin Doyle and Sunderland's Stephen Elliott are injured, with Long preferred to Anthony Stokes up front with Robbie Keane.

Manchester City's Stephen Ireland wins only his third cap while Wayne Henderson replaces Shay Given in goal.

Ian Harte returns after missing the last five matches through injury.

Left-back Harte recently played 70 minutes against Athletic Bilbao for Levante and the full 90 minutes against Sevilla, setting up two goals.

The 29-year-old has only just returned for Levante, following five months on the sidelines recovering from surgery to remove a cyst.

Sunderland striker Stokes should take his place on the bench and could make his debut after being called into the squad for the first time.

Given's injury means that Preston's Wayne Henderson takes over the goalkeeping duties for his fourth cap.

Henderson started in the 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic when Given was again ruled out because of a knock.

Centre-back Richard Dunne picked up a problem over the weekend but will partner O'Shea in the heart of the defence.

Stephen Carr (thigh) and Jonathan Douglas (hamstring) pulled out of the squad on Monday with Luton's Kevin Foley called in to cover for Carr.

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Republic of Ireland:
Henderson, Finnan, Dunne, Harte, O'Shea, Duff, Carsley, Ireland, Kilbane, Keane, Long.