GIOVANNI TRAPATTONI will be at Thomond Park this afternoon to name his squad for the friendly match at the Limerick venue next month between the Republic of Ireland and Australia, writes EMMET MALONE

The Italian is expected to name a strong panel for the game which will be Ireland’s only outing of the new season before they resume their World Cup campaign in Cyprus at the start of September. Steve Finnan, who has been linked with a move to Portsmouth having just been released by Espanyol, could return to the squad but the game is likely to have come too soon for Blackburn’s Steven Reid as he works his way back from a long-term knee injury.

The match takes place on August 12th. Tickets are available from Ticketmaster and various other outlets priced €55 for the east and west stands, €35 and €25 for the terraces.