Simon Cox set for first Republic start

Published Nov 7, 2016

Last updated May 24, 2011

Albion striker Simon Cox will make his first start for the Republic of Ireland in the Carling Nations Cup clash against Northern Ireland at the Aviva Stadium.

And Cox, who will make his debut up front alongside former Wolves striker Robbie Keane, will get to form an early impression of new Baggies signing Gareth McAuley, as he will come directly up against the former Ipswich and Leicester man, who officially joined the Hawthorns club yesterday.

McAuley, who has agreed a three-year deal, will captain a young Northern Ireland side for the second time in the absence of regular skipper and ex-Villa defender Aaron Hughes in a team including Wolves academy winger Johnny Gorman.

Boss Nigel Worthington has just five senior regulars to select from.

For the Republic, Wolves man Kevin Foley and Seamus Coleman will start if Birmingham's Keith Fahey and Liam Lawrence fail to recover from knocks, making it a Molineux past and present central midfield with Blackburn's Keith Andrews.

Foley only celebrated Wolves' Premier League survival on Sunday but, after finally making his competitive debut in March against Macedonia, is determined to add to his four caps.

He said: "There have been times when I've been frustrated on the bench but I've got ambitions to play at the World Cup or major tournament and not turning up for a squad, well, I could probably kiss that goodbye.

"You don't get too many chances."