Callum Robinson is in contention to face Azerbaijan tomorrow after rejoining the Ireland squad today having recovered from Covid-19.
And Stephen Kenny admits he will make changes to his team in order to ensure a fresh approach as fans return to a home international for the first time in 22 months.
In-form West Brom striker Robinson - he has three league goals already this season - was forced to miss the narrow defeat to Portugal.
But he is in good health again and linked up with the Ireland squad today along with new Celtic recruit Liam Scales and Preston midfielder Alan Browne.
Dara O’Shea has been ruled out of the Azerbaijan and Serbia games because of the ankle injury he shipped in Faro and Burnley’s Nathan Collins has also withdrawn.
Striker Shane Long is out of both home games having contracted Covid before the Portugal match.
And Ireland boss Stephen Kenny said today: “Shane was very unfortunate and I honestly don’t know how he managed to get Covid.
“He plays guitar in his room on his own a lot because of the Covid times. He brought his guitar with him and he plays away in his room and practises.
“He's a very careful person, always has the mask on, he's a family man.
“The virus doesn't discriminate – we've had a player who's got it over the last couple of weeks who actually was double-vaccinated, so sometimes it's hard to believe.”
But Robinson’s return is a timely boost and Kenny said: “Callum is in contention. He has had a good pre-season and West Brom have started the season brilliantly.
“I’ve seen a few of his games live, he’s scored three goals and was unfortunate to be ill for ten days. But he trained yesterday in England and he comes into the squad. We’ll see how he is in training.”
Scales has yet to play for Celtic following his move from Shamrock Rovers last week and Kenny said: “It's a terrific opportunity for Liam.
“Liam is a gradual improver, someone who played in the Under-21 team when he was still at UCD, he's gone on to Shamrock Rovers and had gradually improved.
“He has a terrific attitude, he's a very good footballer and athletically he's improved. It's good to have that flexibility (of positions he can play) and he's earned his call-up.”
Browne returns from injury but had also been a close contact and that prevented him being involved for the Portugal game.
Ireland are looking to respond in a positive manner from Wednesday’s agonising defeat but must avoid a banana skin result like the Luxembourg defeat in March.
That nightmare result came just days after a spirited 3-2 defeat in Serbia and Kenny said today: “That was certainly part of our learning.
“It’s something that we’re cognisant of and we have to make sure we’re right. We might make some changes to freshen up and make sure that we’re ready.”
Jeff Hendrick, Aaron Connolly, Matt Doherty and Josh Cullen are all one yellow card away from missing the Serbia game on Tuesday.
Kenny said: “I’m concerned about the yellow card rule, two you’re banned, it seems remarkably harsh, particularly the way the ref was handing out yellows in Portugal.
“But we’re thinking, ‘let’s pick the best team for this game, let’s try to win the game’. We're at home and we want to play with intensity, it's very important for us.
“We want to put in a strong performance and get the victory that we desire. Azerbaijan had very close games themselves with Serbia and Portugal.
“And we've seen Qarabag get to the group stages [in the Europa Conference League] and comprehensively beat Aberdeen during the week.
“So we'll have to earn the right to win. But we're determined to try to get that home victory.”
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