Aaron Connolly will start tomorrow’s big showdown against Switzerland with Mick McCarthy declaring: “I’ve no doubt he’s ready.”
But David McGoldrick is out of the crunch Euro qualifier where an Ireland win would secure automatic qualification.
The Sheffield United striker texted McCarthy on Saturday to say he has failed to recover from a groin injury that has dogged him for the last three weeks.
In his absence, Luton Town’s James Collins led the line in Tbilisi but Brighton ace Connolly caught the eye off the bench on his debut.
And McCarthy has now confirmed that the 19-year-old is in line for a first senior start here in Geneva.
“Absolutely, yeah,” said the Ireland boss. “You’ve all seen him come on and do what he’s done.
“There’s always that ‘well, why didn’t he start’. Well, when you’re in the last 10 or 12 minutes, somebody who comes on like that can run in behind.
“If he’d started against Georgia, he might not have been the same.
“But we’ve seen what he can do and we might have to have a bit of help with him. He certainly won’t be a lone runner.
"(It could also be) one up with one in behind. Judgy (Alan Judge) has played there so we’ll see."
Connolly could start alongside Collins in a little and large partnership but Scott Hogan and Sean Maguire are also vying for inclusion.
McCarthy continued: "I’d consider all my options if I decide to do that. Scott Hogan has done well when he comes on as a sub, he has changed things.
"Seanie is doing well at club level. Any options that I’ve got, if I decide to do that - I’ll consider them.
But McGoldrick is not available and McCarthy added: “I’d a text from him on Saturday after the game, just telling us well done, wishing us well for the next game.
“He also let me know that he wouldn’t be fit. I kind of knew that anyway.”
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