Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny has again hinted that he could opt to play Seamus Coleman and Matt Doherty in the same team.
Coleman watched on as Spurs' Doherty started at right-back in Kenny's first game in charge against Bulgaria in September.
The Everton and Ireland captain then missed the last international window after tweaking his hamstring on club duty, with Doherty starting all three matches.
Speaking ahead of next week's friendly against England and the upcoming Nations League games with Wales and Bulgaria, Kenny said he had been considering using both Coleman and Doherty for the European Championships play-off at Slovakia.
"It's quite possible both of them would have played against Slovakia had he been available.
"Matt Doherty obviously had a really good period, finishing the season strongly for Wolves in the Europa League, he had a really, really, good period and got the position.
"Seamus responded brilliantly by being outstanding for Everton and it then picked up an injury."
Shane Duffy wore the captain's armband in Coleman's absence but Kenny says the Donegal man is returning to the squad as skipper.
"Seamus is a brilliant captain, a brilliant human being and an exceptional player.
"It's good to have leaders in the group, Shane Duffy deputised as captain and defensively in the three games we were absolutely excellent.
"We didn't co concede any chances in the three games hardly, just a couple. Shane Duffy was really consistent in the three games as were the whole back four - very good I thought.
"Shane Duffy I'm sure will be delighted to welcome Seamus Coleman back into the squad and be delighted to hand the captain's armband back to him."
