Clinton Morrison will make his first start for the Republic of Ireland tomorrow night when he partners Robbie Keane in attack against Denmark.
The Crystal Palace striker, with 20 league goals to his credit this campaign, has impressed Mick McCarthy since joining the Ireland set-up.
Morrison has won four caps under McCarthy, all as a replacement, and scored on his senior debut against Croatia last August. Morrison will be aiming to mark his first start with his second international goal and McCarthy spoke today of the different options the 22-year-old offers up front.
"I just thought it was time for him to start," explained McCarthy. "He’s done very well in the few cameo appearances he’s had, and of course scored against Croatia.
"He’s a natural goalscorer, who takes his chances. He gives us something different with his pace, runs into channels, and his strength."
With Morrison partnering Robbie Keane up-front, Damien Duff drops back to the left side of midfield, a decision McCarthy says would have been taken even if Kevin Kilbane and Mark Kennedy had not withdrawn from the squad injured.
"Duffer and Robbie have formed an excellent partnership for us up-front," he said. "They’ve given us the sort of movement we haven’t had ever since I’ve been involved with the Ireland team - even as a player.
"But Clinton’s got to the stage where I wanted to see what he’s like from the start. Even if Kevin and Mark weren’t out, Clinton would have started and I’d have stuck Duff in left midfield."
There was no place in McCarthy’s starting line-up for Colin Healy, who impressed in his debut last month, although McCarthy is likely to make a number of changes during the match as he explores a number of options before finalising his World Cup squad.
Dean Kiely will start in goal, the Charlton stopper winning his sixth cap.
Republic of Ireland team to face Denmark:
Dean Kiely
Ian Harte
Gary Kelly
Steve Staunton
Kenny Cunningham
Jason McAteer
Matt Holland
Mark Kinsella
Damien Duff
Robbie Keane
Clinton Morrison
