Coleman Handed Germany Start

Seamus to start for Ireland against Germany on Friday evening.

Seamus Coleman will start for Ireland against Germany on Friday evening.

The Everton man makes his first competitive start for Giovanni Trapattoni's outfit as they take on the Euro 2012 semi-finalists in Dublin.

Coleman has tended to operate in midfield for the Irish but did get a run-out at full-back against Oman in the last international break.

His selection follows some impressive performances for Everton from the right-back position this season.

Italy assistant boss Marco Tardelli said: "We know that (Steven) Kelly is more defensive, and Coleman likes to attack. We know Coleman has done well in the Premier League. Now he is starting to play at the back. We know he is a good player."

Ireland have a host of injury problems with Shay Given, Robbie Keane, Richard Dunne and Sean St Ledger among the absentees.

Ireland: Westwood, Coleman, O'Shea, O'Dea, Ward, McCarthy, Andrews, Fahey, McGeady, Walters, Cox.