Given is, ahem, a given, but directly ahead of him we look a little needy. Richard Dunne should be first choice but finding a partner on form is the problem, and it's probably too much to hope for guys like Darron Gibson (highly rated at Manchester United) or Marcos Painter to step in so soon. Full back, as always, is about trying to fit everyone in because there ain't exactly a shortage.

Expect Joey O'Brien and Stephen Ireland to force their way into plans though probably not at the same time. Graham Kavanagh may get the nod to be their minder. Damien Duff and Robbie Keane are sure things with Kevin Doyle and Stephen Elliot in support. Right midfield has plenty of contenders, but on present form it's probably Steven Reid's to lose. Others who may make a break for it include Stephen Kelly, Shane Long, Anthony Stokes, Liam Miller and Jonathan Douglas.