Fulham defender Stephen Kelly has been installed as captain of the Republic of Ireland national team for Tuesday's friendly with Uruguay in Dublin.
Giovanni Trapattoni's has sent a handful of senior players back to their clubs after the 2-1 Euro2012 qualifying win over Macedonia on Saturday and will now install 27-year old Kelly to lead them into battle against the South Americans.
Regular captain Robbie Keane along with Richard Dunne, Kevin Kilbane and Damien Duff have all ben excused from tomorrow's duties leaving Kelly to take the captain's armband which Trapattoni is happy to hand to the right-back.
"I know his qualities, I know what he can do. I have followed him a long time and he improves with every game. He has a good personality, he is very strong and I like him," the Italian said.
Kelly added: "It is a huge honour and a great privilege, the kind of thing you dream of as a kid. To play for your country and then lead the team out has to be one of the greatest honours you could possibly ask for."
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