The 72-year-old manager of the Republic of Ireland, has sent all his senior players back to England, including skipper Robbie Keane, after their Euro 2012 exertions against Macedonia on Saturday night.
On target: Regular captain Keane was on the scoresheet in Ireland's 2-1 win
With vice-captain Shay Given already injured and Keane, Richard Dunne, Kevin Kilbane and Damien Duff excused from duty for Tuesday's friendly at home to Uruguay, Trapattoni has turned to Fulham defender Stephen Kelly to captain the side.
The full-back has not played a Barclays Premier League game for five months but with 20 caps he is the most experienced player Trapattoni could turn to as Keane's replacement.
Eye on the ball: Kelly (left) says it is an honour to captain his country
Trapattoni said: 'I know his qualities, I know what he can do. I have followed him a long time and he improves with every game. He has a good personality, he is very strong and I like him.'
Kelly said: 'It is a huge honour and a great privilege, the kind of thing you dream of as a kid. To play for your country and then lead the team out has to be one of the greatest honours you could possibly ask for.'
Wigan midfielder James McCarthy will start in a five-man midfield, with forward support from Andy Keogh and Shane Long. Uruguay, who lost to Estonia last week, are without injured Liverpool striker Luis Suarez.
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?Explore more:People: Andy Keogh, Shay Given, James McCarthy, Robbie Keane, Fabio Capello, Damien Duff, Stephen Kelly, Kevin Kilbane, Richard Dunne Places: Liverpool, Republic of Ireland, Macedonia, Estonia, United Kingdom
Source: Daily Mail
Source: Daily Mail