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James McClean
Friday, 10 February 2012
Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni has named a 24-man squad for the upcoming international friendly against the Czech Republic, with Sunderland's James McClean the most notable omission.
The Republic face the Czechs at the Aviva Stadium on 29 February.
McClean has been on superb form for Sunderland and his possible inclusion in the squad has been discussed widely in the media. RTÉ Sport also understands that McClean received his international eligibilty papers from FIFA this week, removing any technical obstacle to his inclusion in the Republic squad.
Making the squad announcement, the Republic of Ireland manager said, "This game is the beginning of our Euro 2012 preparations.
"As we face this fixture, it is important for our players to remember the attitude and performance that brought us qualification.
"The Czech Republic are a strong team, and their system is similar to Croatia and Spain.
"This game is vital in helping us choose our 23-player squad for May.
"We will continue to monitor our players afterwards, and keep a close eye on their fitness in the coming months."
The 24-man squad also omits Anthony Pilkingon (Norwich), Andy Keogh (Millwall), Ciaran Clark (Aston Villa) and Paul McShane (Crystal Palace).
As expected, self-exiled Republic of Ireland international and Aston Villa midfielder Stephen Ireland remains absent from the squad.
Republic of Ireland squad to face the Czech Republic in an international friendly at the Aviva Stadium, Wednesday 29 February:
Goalkeepers: Shay Given (Aston Villa), Keiren Westwood (Sunderland), David Forde (Millwall).
Defenders: John O'Shea (Sunderland), Stephen Kelly (Fulham), Stephen Ward (Wolves), Richard Dunne (Aston Villa), Sean St Ledger (Leicester City), Darren O'Dea (Leeds United).
Midfielders: Kevin Foley (Wolves), Glenn Whelan (Stoke City), James McCarthy (Wigan Athletic), Seamus Coleman (Everton), Keith Andrews (West Brom), Keith Fahey (Birmingham City), Darron Gibson (Everton), Damien Duff (Fulham), Aiden McGeady (Spartak Moscow), Stephen Hunt (Wolves).
Forwards: Robbie Keane (Aston Villa), Kevin Doyle (Wolves), Shane Long (West Brom), Simon Cox (West Brom), Jon Walters (Stoke City).