Glenn Whelan will captain the Republic of Ireland for tonight's friendly international against Serbia.

The Stoke midfielder, who is earning his 56th cap tonight, has been chosen to skipper the side after John O'Shea was surprisingly left out of the starting side.

Richard Keogh and Marc Wilson will start at the centre of the Irish defence tonight, with Seamus Coleman and Stephen Ward the starting full-backs and David Forde in goal.

Whelan will be partnered in midfield by James McCarthy, while Aiden McGeady and James McClean will start on the wings.

Wes Hoolahan will play a supporting role to lone striker Shane Long.