Ireland await Group D tests

Goalkeeper Shay Given and midfielder Lee Carsley are back in the Republic of Ireland squad for the UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifiers in Slovakia on 8 September and the Czech Republic four days later.

Gibson retained
Given missed last week's 4-0 friendly win in Denmark with a groin injury, while Carsley was also missing. Defender Paul McShane and midfielders Jonathon Douglas and Stephen Ireland, who were forced to withdraw from the last squad are among the 25 along with Manchester United FC midfielder Darren Gibson, who made his senior debut as a second-half substitute against Denmark after a late call-up.

Foley promoted
Newcastle United right-back Stephen Carr is ruled out with a hamstring injury so there is a call for the uncapped Wolverhampton Wanderers FC defender Kevin Foley. "While the game in Denmark was very beneficial in terms of getting the squad together and recording a good win, it must stressed it was only a friendly and these two games will present a much tougher test," said manager Stephen Staunton. "I have named a 25-man squad because we have two games on the road and I want to be able to deal with any injuries or suspensions." Ireland are third in Group D, a point behind the Czechs and six adrift of Germany with all three teams having played seven matches.

Republic of Ireland squad
Goalkeepers: Nick Colgan (Barnsley FC), Colin Doyle (Birmingham City FC), Shay Given (Newcastle United FC), Wayne Henderson (Preston North End FC).

Defenders: Richard Dunne (Manchester City FC), Steve Finnan (Liverpool FC), Kevin Foley (Wolverhampton Wanderers FC), Stephen Kelly (Birmingham City FC), Paul McShane (Sunderland AFC), John O'Shea (Manchester United FC).

Midfielders: Lee Carsley (Everton FC), Jonathon Douglas (Leeds United AFC), Stephen Hunt (Reading FC), Darron Gibson (Manchester United FC), Stephen Ireland (Manchester City FC), Kevin Kilbane (Wigan Athletic FC), Aiden McGeady (Celtic FC), Alan O'Brien (Hibernian FC), Darren Potter (Wolverhampton Wanderers FC), Andy Reid (Charlton Athletic FC).

Forwards: Kevin Doyle (Reading FC), Shane Long (Reading FC), Andy Keogh (Wolverhampton Wanderers FC), Robbie Keane (Tottenham Hotspur FC), Daryl Murphy (Sunderland AFC).