Staunton calls on young guns
Thursday, February 16, 2006
Article summary
Republic of Ireland head coach Steve Staunton has called a number of new faces into his squad for the friendly at home to Sweden next month.
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Emerging talent
Staunton, in charge of Ireland for the first time against the Swedes in Dublin on 1 March, has included uncapped youngsters Joey O'Brien (Bolton Wanderers FC), Kevin Doyle (Reading FC), Stephen Ireland (Manchester City FC), Stephen Kelly (Tottenham Hotspur FC) and Wayne Henderson (Brighton and Hove Albion FC) in a 23-man squad.
Superb form
Reduced options
Staunton's options have been reduced by the international retirement of senior players Roy Keane, Stephen Carr, Matt Holland and Kenny Cunningham, while Andy Reid and David Connolly are injured. The Republic finished fourth in their 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifying group, their worst placing in 20 years, and Staunton is keen to try out younger players ahead of the UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifiers, which start in September with a game in Germany.
Republic of Ireland squad
Goalkeepers: Shay Given (Newcastle United FC), Paddy Kenny (Sheffield United FC), Wayne Henderson (Brighton and Hove Albion FC).
Defenders: Gary Breen (Sunderland AFC), Andy O'Brien (Portsmouth FC), Richard Dunne (Manchester City FC), Joey O'Brien (Bolton Wanderers AFC), Ian Harte (Levante UD), Steve Finnan (Liverpool FC), Stephen Kelly (Tottenham Hotspur FC), John O'Shea (Manchester United FC).
Midfielders: Liam Lawrence (Sunderland AFC), Steven Reid (Blackburn Rovers FC), Graham Kavanagh (Wigan Athletic FC), Jonathan Douglas (Leeds United AFC), Stephen Ireland (Manchester City FC), Liam Miller (Leeds United AFC), Kevin Kilbane (Everton FC), Damien Duff (Chelsea FC).
Forwards: Stephen Elliott (Sunderland AFC), Kevin Doyle (Reading FC), Robbie Keane (Tottenham Hotspur FC), Clinton Morrison (Crystal Palace FC).
