Giovanni Trapattoni is looking forward to seeing his Republic of Ireland side take on Croatia next month, having named a provisional squad for the clash.
Trapattoni revealed his 32-man provisional squad for the August 10 friendly in Dublin, including Wigan midfielder James McCarthy in his selection.
McCarthy pulled out of May's Carling Nations Cup and the Euro 2012 qualifying encounter with Macedonia due to an apparent ankle injury, though doubts were placed over the Scotland-born player's reasons for withdrawing his services.
Nevertheless, Trapattoni has stayed true to his word that McCarthy has a future with the Irish set-up, and the manager is relishing the prospect of facing the talented Croatians.
"Many players will be given the opportunity to shine against a very strong opposition," said the Italian.
"Croatia are currently ranked 8th in the world, and will undoubtedly be a tough match for us."
Republic of Ireland (provisional) squad to face Croatia: Given (Man City), Westwood (Sunderland), Forde (Millwall), O'Shea (Sunderland), McShane (Hull), Foley (Wolves), Coleman (Everton), Kelly (Fulham), Ward (Wolves), Dunne (Aston Villa), St Ledger (Leicester), O'Dea (Celtic), Delaney (Ipswich), Clark (Aston Villa), Kilbane (Hull), Whelan (Stoke), Gibson (Man Utd), Andrews (Blackburn), Fahey (Birmingham), Keogh (Wolves), McGeady (Spartak Moscow), Duff (Fulham), Hunt (Wolves), Lawrence (Portsmouth), McCarthy (Wigan), Tracey (Preston), Wilson (Stoke), Keane (Tottenham), Doyle (Wolves), Walters (Stoke), Long (Reading), Cox (West Brom).