Damien Duff will captain the Republic of Ireland in Monday's EURO 2012 Group C tie against Italy in Poznan on the occasion of his 100th cap.
The Fulham winger has proven a tremendous servant to his country at all levels since starting his international career and regular captain Robbie Keane admitted he was delighted to hand over the armband to his teammate and friend upon him reaching such a magnificent milestone.
The starting team itself is the same that took to the field last Sunday for Ireland's opener at the finals against Croatia. Kevin Doyle regains his place at the expense of Simon Cox.
Though Ireland are out of contention to progress to the knock-out stages, there was agreement from Giovanni Trapattoni, Keane and Duff at today's pre-match press conference that victory would end a difficult campaign at the championships on a high, for themselves and the loyal Irish fans.
REP OF IRELAND: Given (Aston Villa); O'Shea (Sunderland), Dunne (Aston Villa), St Ledger (Leicester City), Ward (Wolves); Duff (Fulham) - capt, Andrews (West Brom), Whelan (Stoke City), McGeady (Spartak Moscow); Keane (LA Galaxy), Doyle (Wolves).
