Euro 2020 qualifiers: Seamus Coleman to captain Republic of Ireland against Gibraltar

Seamus Coleman's place in the Republic team has come under threat from Matt Doherty

Euro 2020: Gibraltar v Republic of Ireland
Venue: Victoria Stadium, Gibraltar Date: Saturday, 23 March Kick-off: 17:00 GMT
Coverage: Score updates and match report on BBC Sport website

Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy says Seamus Coleman will start as captain for their opening Euro 2020 qualifier against Gibraltar.

Coleman, 30, was the Republic captain under previous boss Martin O'Neill and he will continue in the role when he wins his 50th cap on Saturday.

The Everton full-back's place in the Irish side is coming under threat from in-form Wolves defender Matt Doherty.

McCarthy will name his team just before kick-off at the Victoria Stadium.

Doherty, who has scored six goals in 36 appearances for Wolves this season, could still be deployed in a more advanced role for the Group D match.

"The butterflies are there already. It's getting closer and closer," said McCarthy, who is preparing to take charge of the Republic for the first time since his reappointment to the role he previously held from 1996 to 2002.

"I'm glad I have that feeling because if I lose that then there would be something wrong. That has been with me from the first game I ever played."

McCarthy added: "If we're going to gain momentum in this campaign, it has to start here in Gibraltar tomorrow,"

"If we can win tomorrow, that's brilliant. If we can win tomorrow and play well, even better!"