Fulham defender Stephen Kelly has been handed the captain’s armband by Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni for tonight’s friendly match against Uruguay at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
Kelly was clearly delighted after the news of his captaincy was confirmed but the defender will certainly not be underestimating the task at hand this evening, as the Republic test their mettle against 2010 World Cup Semi-Finalists, Uruguay.
"It's a huge honour, a privilege," said Kelly ahead of Tuesday night’s match. “It's something you always kind of dream of when you're a kid. First of all it's to represent your country and then to lead it out. It's one of the greatest honours you could possibly ask for.
"They're World Cup semi-finalists so of course it's going to be a tough game. But it's a good opportunity for the lads to make a good impression on the boss, to show him what they're capable of doing. I think everyone's going to have that in mind. Against better opposition you have to perform better yourself. That is what everyone will be looking to do, raise their game and compete with them."
As an experienced international, Kelly dismissed the possibility of suffering any nerves this evening as he leads the Republic of Ireland out for the first time, and the defender is clearly looking to make the most of his opportunity to impress manager Giovanni Trapattoni in central defence.
"I don't think I'll be nervous," Kelly explained. "I've been around for a long enough at this stage to not be nervous. I'll just look to get on, do well and enjoy it as much as I can, to be honest. I suppose there's a little bit more pressure but that's football.
"These are the kind of things you have to deal with. I'm up for it and more than capable of taking it (the opportunity) with both hands. I have not played for a couple of months, but fitness-wise, I have always been an extremely fit player and being able to come in and play ninety minutes now, I don't think will be a problem to me.
"It's just an opportunity at centre back to show the boss what I can do in that position, to make an impact on the team hopefully and lead from the defence. I think whoever was playing against them (Uruguay) is going to find it difficult.”