Newcastle defender Andy O’Brien did not travel to Dublin because of a hamstring injury which ruled him out of the Magpies’ defeat by Bolton on Sunday.

Leeds midfielder Stephen McPhail has also pulled out of the squad having been sent back to Elland Road today with a calf injury.

Kerr said: “Thompson and Kelly are brought in because I have to plan without the injured O’Brien, Manchester City’s Richard Dunne and Liverpool defender Steve Finnan.

“And of course last week I decided not to include Manchester United’s John O’Shea and the Sunderland pair of Gary Breen and Jason McAteer who have important FA Cup semi-finals at the weekend.

“We had not expected Liam Miller to be available as he has just returned to the Celtic side after being out with a groin injury for several weeks.

“I am not going to say that Miller will play in the game – but it will be an opportunity for him to get to know the rest of the squad.”

A definite starter will be Tottenham’s Gary Doherty who wins his 23rd cap. Doherty will partner captain Kenny Cunningham in the heart of the Irish defence.

“I am playing regularly for Spurs at the moment at the back – although I have played for both club and country up front,” Doherty said.

“But now I am happy to be in a defensive role and pleased that my team-mate Stephen Kelly has been included in the squad as he has looked very promising when recently making several first team appearances for the club.”

Newcastle’s Shay Given will definitely start in goal to win his 57th cap. But the previously uncapped Paddy Kenny could make his debut at some stage.