SEAMUS COLEMAN WILL captain the Republic of Ireland in tonight’s Euro 2016 clash in Lille.
The Killybegs man will lead out the Boys in Green for what is a must-win game for Martin O’Neill’s team.
Coleman captained Ireland in a recent friendly against Switzerland and also in a World Cup qualifier against Germany in October 2013, when Ireland lost 3-0 to Germany in Cologne.
Ireland were then under the temporary management of Noel King for that game, following the departure of Giovanni Trapattoni.
Coleman described that occasion as ‘very special’ and ‘a massive honour’.
The Killybegs man will wear the armband tonight with John O’Shea dropped by O’Neill for the key game at the Stade Pierre Mauroy.
Shane Duffy, whose father Brian is from Letterkenny, has been named to start.
Richard Keogh, James McLean and Daryl Murphy also come into the team with O’Neill ringing the changes.
Italy, already assured of top spot, have made eight changes.
Republic of Ireland: Randolph; Coleman, Keogh, Duffy, Ward; McClean, Hendrick, McCarthy, Brady, Murphy and Long up top.