Hearts defender Alan Maybury has been drafted into the Republic of Ireland squad for Wednesday's friendly against Scotland.

The former Leeds United player has not played for the Republic since May 1999.

Maybury's chance to resurrect his international career came after new boss Brian Kerr was hit with a string of injuries.

Robbie Keane, Damien Duff, Gary Kelly and Mark Kennedy have all been forced to pull out.

Maybury played against the Czech Republic in 1998 and then in the Peace game against Northern Ireland the following year.

'Good addition'

"Alan was on stand-by and it is natural to call him up because he is local," said Kerr.

"He has done well since joining Hearts and I have spoken to Craig Levein about him. He is a good addition."

Kerr is expecting a tough test against Scotland but believes the Ireland fans will turn out in numbers for his first match.

"My first ambition is to win the game so I will not be using too many players and having unlimited substitutions."