Ireland U19 international Paul George made his first competitive Celtic appearance last night in the 2-0 victory over Ross County in the Communities League Cup.
George from Killough in County Down came on for the last few minutes of the game and only for an excellent close range save late on from County keeper Frazer, he could well have marked his debut with a first senior goal.
The Irish winger recently stepped up to Paul Doolin’s Under 19 squad and played in the Serbian double-header last month in Belgrade.
The 17 year old signed a three year deal with Celtic last summer and spent last year at the Celtic Academy. He made a previous appearance with the first-team, coming on as a substitute in a friendly match with AZ Alkmaar last year.
Speaking at the time of George's contract announcement, Celtic Head of Youth, Chris McCart said: “We are absolutely delighted to have secured Paul for the next three years, he is the type of player that is an entertainer. He has very good skills, but is also dedicated and hard-working too.
Ireland U21 international Robbie Brady could have scored a hat-trick, but ended up without a goal to his name on Saturday, as Hull beat Portsmouth 1-0 at the KC Stadium.
The Manchester United on-loan winger was thwarted three times by Pompey keeper Jamie Ashdown, whose heroics were enough to limit the Tigers to just one goal, scored by the equally impressive Robert Koren early in the first-half.
Dublin born Brady, who is on loan with Hull until the end of the year, was the most potent attacking force for Nigel Pearson's side and had two curled efforts saved by the superb Ashdown. The stopper also prevented the Irish youngster from close-range following a chaotic goalmouth scramble.
Brady has been turning heads all over the Championship with his superb displays for Hull and has caught the eye of commentators and pundits alike, who are tipping the young winger for a massive career ahead.
Ireland U19 defender Mark O'Brien has signed a four-year deal with Derby County
The 18-year-old Dublin born international has seized his chance in the first team this season, featuring in all seven Rams games.
O'Brien has started six matches at centre-half, starting in place of the injured Shaun Barker in five of the club's six Championship matches.
Manager Nigel Clough told the club website: "He has been playing well and deserves his contract."
O'Brien, who will now stay at Pride Park until the summer of 2015, had to undergo heart surgery in Novemer 2009.
And Clough has been impressed with how he has come back: "He has had to overcome some challenging hurdles but his attitude has been exemplary.
"He has taken his chance because of the injuries.
"He has shown to everybody he is an honest, brave and committed player who will put his head where some players would not even put their feet."
The new deal is the latest chapter in O'Brien's remarkable story.
Only months after making his first-team debut for Derby as a 16-year-old at Watford on the final day of the 2008-9 season, O'Brien was told he needed heart surgery.
He had the operation in October 2009 and was back in action for the Academy six months later.
His progress was hindered towards the end of last season when he underwent surgery on his ankle and then injuries to a number of the club's centre-backs opened the first-team door for him.
But he is not taking anything for granted.
"I feel I am still easing my way in because anything can happen," said O'Brien.
"Shaun Barker, Russell Anderson and Jake Buxton can come straight back in for me, so I cannot think I have got my feet under the first-team table or anything like that.
"My aspirations are the same as they were at the start of the season. I wanted to be a part of the squad and get some games under my belt. That has not changed.
"Hopefully I can keep progressing.
"All I can do is try to keep playing and doing as well as I can."
O'Brien's first League start came in the 1-0 win at Watford last month and he also helped the team to keep clean sheets in the victories over Blackpool and Doncaster Rovers.
Clough has been delighted with the youngster's attitude.
"It has been exemplary when you think what he has gone through for such a young person, never mind a young footballer," said Clough.
"To come through and get in the side, everybody is delighted for him. He is back on the pitch, he is healthy and he is playing well.
"He deserves his deal.
"He is ahead of schedule and it is out of necessity he is in the team.
"When you look at the centre-halves on our books, certainly they are more experienced than Mark but he has come in and taken his chance.
"Until such time as somebody is fit who we think is better than him and can do a better job, he will stay in the team."
Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni saluted Richard Dunne and Shay Given for their heroic performances in a precious 0-0 draw in Moscow.
Dunne produced two superb blocks and ended the game with four stitches in a head wound as Ireland managed to cling on for their first ever point in Russia.
Given was equally resilient as the Donegal man pulled off a string of fine saves, including a vital late stop from Konstantin Zyryanov, to claim a seventh successive clean sheet for his team which kept them firmly in he race for Euro 2012 qualification.
Trapattoni said of Dunne's performance: "He was fantastic. I thank God that we had Richard in this game.
"He sacrificed himself because he went back on to the pitch with four stitches. He understood the need to stay on the pitch.
"Shay Given also saved two or three goals. They were fantastic saves."
Dunne had to have stitches after suffering a head wound in a challenge on Yuri Zhirkov which cost him a second booking in as many games which will rule him out of next month's trip to Andorra.
He was made to change his shirt, but with no number five replacement on the sidelines, goalkeeping coach Alan Kelly had to write the number on a plain shirt in felt-tipped pen.
Trapattoni said: "In life, these things happen. We forgot the reserve shirt. We wrote the number five and thank God, he went back on to the pitch immediately."
Ireland were under the cosh almost from the off as Russia set about the task of easing their way further clear in the race for automatic qualification from Group B.
Trapattoni was quick to admit that his team had ridden its luck on the night.
He said: "It is impossible not to recognise that we have been lucky in this 90 minutes.
"The determination and the application on the pitch of the team, particularly of the senior players like Richard Dunne, Shay Given, Keith Andrews, Aiden McGeady was the pull for the younger players who gained confidence from them.
"That balance allowed us to achieve what I call a golden point.
"With this result, we can look to the future because we have cleared a big obstacle tonight.
"I told the players St Patrick was looking down on us tonight."
Speaking after the game Irish hero Dunne said :
"We probably weren't fancied to get anything here, everyone from front to back did a job. It gives us something to build on and hopefully keeps us in the competition."
Dunne added: "It was a tough game. We knew we had to come here and try and put in something similar to what we did in Paris [in the World Cup play-off against France].
"The second half was quite tough. The pitch is so fast and you have to be on your toes.
"But we knuckled down and put in a performance we can be proud of."
Meanwhile in the other group two game Armenia scored four second-half goals to crush Slovakia and keep alive their hopes of reaching the Euro 2012 finals.
The result means Armenia move up to third in the table, one point behind Ireland and three points behind Russia.
Ireland captain Robbie Keane has admitted Tomorrow's Euro 2012 qualifier with Russia is a game 'The Boys In Green' cannot afford to lose if they are to maintain hopes of qualifying for the finals in Poland.
Giovanni Trapattoni's side were held by Slovakia last Friday in a disappointing performance in the Aviva Stadium and trail Russia by two points with three rounds of games remaining in Group B.
Russia emerged with a 3-2 victory in the first meeting of the teams in Dublin and Keane feels Ireland need to bring home a result ahead of games with Armenia and Andorra in the Aviva next month.
Keane told a press conference ahead of the game in Moscow: "It is a game we can't lose. We want to still be in the hunt when the last two games come around and it is vitally important we are in amongst it. There are nine points to play for. We're well aware of that.
"Our main focus is getting three points tomorrow and there is certainly a lot of games to play and anything can happen.
"I think our performances away from home, in this campaign and the last, have been very, very good. We are coming here with a lot of confidence. Of course it is always nice to come into a game on the back of a win but it wasn't the case. The most important thing is we didn't lose.
"We'll be looking for the same tomorrow and hopefully the three points. There is no reason why we can't win. Our main aim is to get something out of this game and why not? Why can't we?"
Ireland must also cope with the Luzhniki Stadium's artificial pitch, a surface Keane experienced with Tottenham Hotspur last year in Switzerland in a Champions League qualifier.
He warned his team-mates they must adjust to the pitch as quickly as possible.
"I played last year for Tottenham against Young Boys. It is certainly different to what we're used to. When we played them we were 3-0 down after 20 minutes because we couldn't get used to the pace of the pitch.
"That is something we'll try to get into the lads early doors and try to get used to the pitch as soon as possible. It is obviously going to be a complete change."
Keane was passed for the game despite a back problem while Stephen Kelly and Darren O'Dea also came into the team.
Ireland team to play Russia:
Shay Given, Stephen Kelly, Richard Dunne, Darren O'Dea, Stephen Ward, Damien Duff, Glenn Whelan, Keith Andrews, Aidan McGeady, Robbie Keane, Kevin Doyle.
Ireland's hopes of automatic qualification for Euro 2012 are in the balance after an abject 0-0 draw with Slovakia at the Aviva Stadium.
The home side produced a nervous and sloppy display that allowed the visitors to control possession and territory.
A number of fine saves from Shay Given and a Sean St Ledger block on Marek Hamsik made sure the visitors left with just one point.
Richard Dunne could have snatched an undeserved winner but he failed to make a good connection with Stephen Hunt's cross in injury-time.
Slovakia got the point they came for and they could have had all three but for some last-ditch defending by the home side, which ensured a record sixth successive clean sheet.
Russia are next up for Ireland on Tuesday and on the evidence of this, Dick Advocaat's side will be confident of taking the three points.
A late booking for St Ledger means he misses the trip to Moscow, giving Trapattoni a further problem ahead of a crucial tie.
Shane Long's calf strain saw Trapattoni revert to his tried and trusted front two of Keane and Doyle, while Stephen Ward took Kevin Kilbane's place at left-back for his first competitive start.
Hamsik started for Slovakia despite pre-match doubts about the captain's fitness, but danger man Robert Vittek had to make do with a place on the bench.
Doyle's initial omission had caused some surprise but he seemed lethargic and was replaced by Simon Cox midway through the second half.
It was a game full of grunt but lacking in guile. There were more stray passes than incisive ones, with almost all of the neat touches coming from the men in blue.
Slovakia began with their traditional counter-attack style, but began to play more in Irish territory as the half wore on and they sussed out what they were up against.
Ireland were grateful to Ward and Dunne for two goal-saving tackles, while Given did well to keep out Miroslav Stoch's shot and a glancing header from Filip Holosko.
The visitors were also cheered on by vocal support in the north stand, leading one Irish fan to aggressively encourage those around him to respond. His pleas went unanswered.
One sloppy pass apart, it was Duff who was once again Ireland's main source of danger.
Jan Mucha was finally called into action on 38 minutes. A clever one-two between Duff and Keith Andrews saw the winger draw a fine parry from the Everton keeper.
Referee Pedro Garcia's whistle was a nagging feature of the opening 45 minutes, but most were glad to hear him call for half-time.
Slovakia were the first to threaten after the break as Stoch picked out Vladimir Weiss. His shot took a slight deflection and slipped past the far post.
Moments later at the other end, Duff found space after coming inside and linking with McGeady, but his shot flew over Mucha's cross bar.
St Ledger ensured a dominant Slovakia stayed scoreless when he threw himself in front of Hamsik to deny the skipper an opener after a slip-up by Dunne.
Cox's introduction had little effect as Weiss ghosted past a static Irish defence. Ward cleared for a corner with Holosko threatening.
If there was one Irishman you would want a chance to fall to, it would be Keane. Yet he wasted the opportunity to score his 52nd international goal.
The skipper drifted off Martin Skrtel as Duff's cross made its way over. Keane's header lacked the class that we have come to expect from him and cleared the bar.
Keane then turned creator by controlling Dunne's punt downfield and finding Cox. The striker twisted away from his markers but shot wide with Andrews free on the overlap.
Stephen Hunt was introduced to big cheers with five minutes remaining and many will wonder why he was given so little time to make an impact.
It was his cross that picked out the unmarked Dunne, who somehow got under the ball as it dropped perfectly for him.
Ireland: 1 Given; 4 O'Shea, 2 St Ledger, 5 Dunne, 3 Ward; 7 McGeady, 6 Whelan, 8 Andrews, 11 Duff; 9 Doyle (18 Cox '64), 10 Keane.
Subs not used: 16 Westwood, 12 Foley, 13 O'Dea, 14 Lawrence, 15 Hunt, 17 Keogh, 18 Cox.
Booked: Dunne, St Ledger.
Slovakia: 1 Mucha; 2 Pekarik, 3 Skrtel, 4 Durica, 5 Cech; 6 Karhan, 19 Kucka (21 Guede '77); 17 Hamsik, 10 Stoch; 7 Weiss (18 Jendrisek '85), 13 Holosko (11 Vittek '88).
Subs not used: 12 Putnocky, 8 Jez, 9 Stesak, 14 Michalik.
Booked: Kucka, Skrtel.
Referee: Pedro Garcia (Portugal).
Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni has rewarded Shane Long for his strong start to the season at West Brom with a starting place for tomorrow’s vital European Championship qualifier against Slovakia, with Kevin Doyle the player to miss out.
Kevin Kilbane has failed to recover from a back injury and will return to Derby County this afternoon. Damien Delaney has been drafted in to the squad to replace the veteran left back.
The rest of the line-up is along expected lines, with Shay Given passing a fitness test to take his place in nets, with John O’Shea named at right back and Richard Dunne and Seán St Ledger filling the central defensive slots.
Keith Andrew and Glenn Whelan have been named in central midfield, with the wide berths going to Aiden McGeady and Damien Duff. Robbie Keane will partner Long up front.
Wigan midfielder James McCarthy will also be called into the squad later this evening after he takes part in the Under-21 match against Hungary in Sligo.
Ireland: Shay Given, John O'Shea, Richard Dunne, Sean St Ledger, Stephen Ward, Damien Duff, Keith Andrews, Glenn Whelan, Aiden McGeady, Robbie Keane and Shane Long
Ireland U21 international Shane Duffy has secured a loan move to League one side Scunthorpe from Everton.
The 19-year-old Derry born defender is presently on international duty alongside fellow Scunthorpe centre-back Niall Canavan for the Ireland's U21 side who host Hungary tomorrow night in their opening 2013 UEFA qualifier, just three weeks after they produced a stunning comeback to defeat Austria 2-1 in a friendly at the same Sligo venue.
Duffy joined Everton's Academy as a 16-year-old and after progressing through the Goodison Park ranks made his first-team debut in a Europa League tie in December 2009.
The centre-back will link up with the Scunthorpe squad after returning from international duty next week and is likely to be contention for a starting birth when Sheffield United visit Glanford Park on September 10th.
Irish boss Giovanni Trapattoni says winger Aiden McGeady is “100 per cent” and ready to play in the Euro 2012 qualifiers against Slovakia and Russia. The Spartak midfielder played three minutes of the Moscow derby on Sunday after missing much of the summer with an ankle injury sustained on June 10th, but met up with the Ireland squad at the first opportunity this morning and trained in Malahide.
Captain Robbie Keane is travelling from the other side of the world where he now plies his trade with LA Galaxy and will join the squad tomorrow.
The manager today spoke publicly for the first time since the striker’s move from Tottenham to Major League Soccer and appeared satisfied the decision will not affect the Tallaght man’s international future or form.
“He went with enthusiasm, he told me he was happy to go but he wanted to be with the Irish players too and he will come,” said the Italian. “Before people said he wasn’t playing enough, but I said senior players have played a lot of football and can keep their conditioning. Now I’m sure he can play despite the long flights.”
Burnley winger Keith Treacy and Sunderland defender John O’Shea will also arrive tomorrow. O’Shea featured for the first time for his new club at the weekend and played 95 minutes in the 0-0 draw with Swansea after recovering from injury.
The Irish Management team remain confident goalkeeper Shay Given will be fit after he suffered a back strain while playing for Aston Villa on Saturday. He will also join up with the squad late.
The only players to sit out training today were defenders Seán St Ledger and Darren O’Dea, and striker Shane Long, who has scored against Manchester United and Chelsea this season after leaving Reading for West Brom.
With each carrying minor knocks, their absences today were merely precautionary and Trapattoni insisted: “It was better we let them rest, the will be fine though, we are sure.”
The manager is happy the Long's form has provided him with a selection headache ahead of a big week, with Kevin Doyle, Keane and Simon Cox also vying for a place on the pitch.
"It's important to have these options. In the 90 minutes, we can start and then change. It's very important to choose every option."The Slovakia and Russia games will have a major say in the outcome of the group, with the three sides involved locked together at the top of the table on 13 points. Ireland lost at home to the Russians and drew in Slovakia in October, and there has been little to choose between the teams throughout the campaign to date.
But while Trapattoni is fully aware of the magnitude of the double-header, he is refusing even to contemplate what lies ahead in Moscow next week until the first encounter has been negotiated.
He said: "We must prepare for these two games with more attention - I say more because it is always important to improve. Every game shows us or teaches us that it is possible to improve again.
"For example, for the last game against Croatia, we were missing two or three important players. But the players who came in played well, and I am confident about them. I saw how it's possible to improve not only the system, but the attitude, mentality and how it's possible to achieve the result when we are missing one or two important players.
"Now against Slovakia and against Russia, we need to start with the winning mentality because I think we can do that. But we have to think about Russia only after three days."
Dick Advocaat's side suffered a setback yesterday when goalkeeper Igor Akinfeyev was ruled out of both of their qualifiers with a knee injury sustained in the same game in which McGeady made his return.
Vyacheslav Malafeev, the Zenit St Petersburg goalkeeper capped 18 times, is likely to take his place, though Advocaat has added Dynamo Moscow’s Anton Shunin (one cap) to the squad for the home games against Macedonia, on Friday, and Ireland.
Dundalk today today agreed the transfer of Ireland U21 international Daniel Kearns to English Championship club Peterborough United, subject to final details being completed in the coming days.
Belfast born Kearns, who was set for his 50th appearance for the club on Tuesday night, is expected to travel to England on Monday for a medical, with a deal set to go through once that and the other relevant paperwork is completed.
Championship outfit Peterborough have held a long-term interest in Kearns and they have now firmed up their interest with a six-figure offer for the exciting attacking midfielder.
Posh boss Darren Ferguson is a big fan of the former West Ham youngster and has won the race for the 19-year-old's services, despite strong interest from Celtic and a number of other clubs.
Noel King has named his Ireland squad for the forthcoming UEFA Under-21 Championships qualifiers against Hungary and Turkey.
Ireland will host Hungary at the Showgrounds, Sligo, on Thursday, September 1st and then travel to Manisa on Tuesday, September 6
King has included 15 of the players who featured in a 2-1 friendly victory over Austria at the Showgrounds earlier this month.
Senior international James McCarthy (Wigan Athletic) has been added to the squad with Adam Barton (Preston North End) and Sean Scannell (Crystal Palace) returning from injuries which ruled them out of the game against Austria.
King said: “James will be a good addition to our squad. We are building a competitive squad now and if everybody that is eligible for this age group was fit it would be one of the toughest decisions I’ve ever had just to name the squad.
“James played in the last competitive game for the under-21s against Estonia so he knows most of the players. He has a great pedigree and everybody knows the talent he possesses.
“We’ve named James in the squad and he is fit to play. Hopefully all of the players will come through their club fixtures this weekend and steer clear of injuries.”
IRELAND UNDER-21 SQUAD
Ian McLoughlin MK Dons FC
Aaron McCarey Wolverhampton Wanderers FC
Lanre Oyebanjo York City FC
Shane Duffy Everton FC
Gavin Gunning Dundee United FC
Rob Kiernan Wigan Athletic FC
Niall Canavan Scunthorpe United FC
Aidan White Leeds United FC
Richie Towell Celtic FC
Mark Connolly Bolton Wanderers FC
Adam Barton Preston North End FC
Conor Clifford Chelsea FC
James McCarthy Wigan Athletic FC
Jeff Hendrick Derby County FC
Aaron Doran Inverness CT FC
Robbie Brady Hull City FC (on loan from Manchester United FC)
Sean Scannell Crystal Palace FC
Joe Mason Cardiff City FC
Rhys Murphy Arsenal
In form Ireland international Shane Long today admitted that West Brom must beat Stoke on Sunday to save themselves from a “bad start” to the Premier League season.
The Tipperary born international revealed the Baggies are in high spirits despite two defeats at the start of the season.
But, despite two encouraging performances, Long admitted only victory in Sunday’s Hawthorns clash with the Potters will salvage an acceptable start to the campaign.
He said: “I think we need to get three points against Stoke and then we can look back on the first three games and say ‘three good performances, we’re unlucky to not have more points but we can be proud of our work.’
“But unless we can get those three points it will be a bad start to the season. We have a big week ahead of us and we need to start making all these games count.
“It’s disappointing because we are playing very well and luck is going against us but I think that’s why big teams like Chelsea and Manchester United do so well in the league, because they grind out results and get three points when it matters.
“We need to start learning from the likes of them so, if we do go 1-0 up, we hold onto it and, at least, get one point.
“We need to start punishing them. In the first half on Saturday we could have got maybe two or three goals because they held a very high line and we got in behind them.”
Robbie Keane marked his Los Angeles Galaxy debut with a goal as his new side defeated San Jose Earthquakes 2-0 at the Home Depot Centre.
Ireland international Keane became one of the hottest properties in Major League Soccer when he swapped Tottenham for Galaxy and showed what he can do but breaking the deadlock after 21 minutes.
Mike Magee, who replaced him 18 minutes from time, added the second for the Western conference leaders, while Steven Beitashour saw red for the Earthquakes.
"We're elated with Robbie," Galaxy Coach Bruce Arena said. "He had a great 70 minutes tonight and we think there's a lot of great games ahead for Robbie and our team."
Speaking after the game Keane said "It couldn't have gone better for me. That was quite a reception and it's an experience I'm relishing."
Skysports are reporting that Championship side Peterborough United have tabled a bid for Dundalk star Daniel Kearns.
The Belfast born Ireland U21 international has been earning rave reviews for the Airtricity Premier League outfit and a number of clubs have been keeping tabs on his progress
Championship outfit Peterborough have held a long-term interest in Kearns and they have now firmed up their interest with a six-figure offer for the exciting attacking midfielder.
Posh boss Darren Ferguson is a big fan of the former West Ham youngster and is hoping to win the race for the 19-year-old's services.
However, Peterborough could face competition for Kearns with Scottish giants Celtic showing an interest in the skilful attacker after he impressed against Neil Lennon's side in the Dublin Super Cup last month.
Dundalk are thought to be considering Peterborough's offer with Kearns out of contract at the end of the Airtricity season in two months.
Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni has promised to keep an eye on Sunderland’s new signing James McClean, after the Derry born player declared his intention to represent Ireland rather than the IFA team.
The 22-year-old left winger wants to follow fellow Derry internationals Darron Gibson and Shane Duffy into the Ireland senior team and Trap is happy to oblige.
“James has made his decision and we will watch him closely now as he develops with Sunderland,” said Trapattoni.
“He is a young player and one we will watch for the future. He wants to play for us and that is important for me when it comes to picking players.”
Set to start the new season in the Sunderland reserves, McLean is keen to progress his club career at Sunderland and hopefully force his way into Trapattoni's senior squad in the near future.
“I know which team I want to represent and moving to Sunderland can only help my realize my dream of playing for the Republic,” said the former Derry City star.
And yet another Derry born player has also recently declared his intention to represent Ireland. Torquay United's Eunan O'Kane is waiting on FIFA clearance and his registration as an Ireland player is expected to be completed soon.
Cardiff City Midfielder Peter Whittingham has backed young attacking midfielder Joe Mason to force his way into the Bluebirds’ starting XI after his stunning display against Bristol City.
Mason’s mix of direct running and vision inspired the home side to a 3-1 win after coming off the bench to replace the injured Aron Gunnarsson at the Cardiff City Stadium.
The 20-year-old Ireland U21 international, who signed at three-year contract at the club this summer after joining from Plymouth Argyle, has already received huge praise from manager Malky Mackay.
And now Whittingham has backed the Ireland under 21 international to seal a first start against Brighton tomorrow night.
“Joe has been brilliant ever since he came here. He has been amazing in training and it is just good for him to go on the pitch and show everyone what he can do,” Whiitingham said
“He picks up some great positions and he seems to ghost past people, which is great for the team. Hopefully he can carry on his form.
“After a performance like that you’d have to say he is pushing for a starting place.
“He’s played really well and he’s put himself in the frame. Good luck to the manager to make that decision,” he added.
Reports this evening have suggested that record Ireland striker Robbie Keane is close to making a move to LA Galaxy.
Bolton and Blackburn, as well as Championship promotion favourites Leicester, have been linked with Keane, who has admitted he could move away from the Premier League.
Galaxy's interest emerged on Friday night and, with talks taking place, the MLS club could finalise a deal before the end of the transfer window.
If Keane was to move to Galaxy, he would become a team-mate of former England skipper David Beckham.
Reports suggest that Keane is on his way to L.A., where he will undergo a physical ahead of signing a two-year, $8 million contract.
Apparently to make room for Keane, the Galaxy are expected to trade or release former Aston Villa striker Juan Pablo Angel.
Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni has announced a provisional 32 man squad to face Slovakia and Russia in September's crucial Euro qualifiers.
Kevin Doyle is his biggest concern, having departed the squad on Tuesday with a recurrence of a knee ligament injury suffered in the 2-1 win over Macedonia in March. The manager appeared resigned to the fact he would be without the Wolves striker when speaking after the 0-0 draw last night, but has included him nonetheless.
Ireland squad
Goalkeepers:
Shay Given
Keiren Westwood
David Forde
Defenders:
John O’Shea
Paul McShane
Kevin Foley
Seamus Coleman
Stephen Kelly
Stephen Ward
Richard Dunne
Sean St. Ledger
Darren O’Dea
Damien Delaney
Ciaran Clark
Kevin Kilbane
Midfielders:
Glenn Whelan
Darron Gibson
Keith Andrews
Keith Fahey
Andy Keogh
Aiden McGeady
Damien Duff
Stephen Hunt
Liam Lawrence
James McCarthy
Keith Treacy
Marc Wilson
Strikers:
Robbie Keane
Kevin Doyle
Jon Walters
Shane Long
Simon Cox
Giovanni Trapattoni has been hit with a number of injury pull-outs prior to Wednesday night's friendly international against Croatia in Dublin.
Everton winger Seamus Coleman left Goodison Park on crutches on Friday night, and while Ireland can withstand losing players for this week's game, Trapattoni won't want to be losing players for the key games in September against Slovakia and Russia. X-rays showed only ligament damage which could rule him out of those two games, but a second scan tomorrow will confirm the exact nature of the Donegal players injury.
Jonathan Walters, who came on as sub during Stoke City's Europa League play-off tie on Thursday, isn't expected to play but will travel to Dublin to have his calf injury examined. Fellow Stoke international Marc Wilson is also out due to a lump on his knee and personally spoke to Trapattoni on Friday, he is also expected to travel to Dublin today to see the Ireland medical team.
Ciaran Clark has been called into the squad after Damien Delaney suffered an ankle injury playing for Ipswich in the Championship opener against Bristol City and Keith Fahey is also out of the squad after being injured in Birmingham's 2-1 defeat to Derby.
Keith Andrews has also withdrawn from the squad due to a groin strain.
Irish boss Trapattoni says he will look at Shane Long and Simon Cox together up front but hopes to give Keane some game time while Kevin Doyle is also back in the squad after a lengthy lay off.
Trapattoni has been keeping a close eye on players and upcoming opposition over the summer months "I've pulled the plug on the holidays already," he said. "I've been watching DVDs, and have been keeping an eye on our players. I watched Villa play in Asia recently, I have watched Russia again two or three times, I have watched Slovakia again. We are preparing now for the Croatia game, but of course you get excited about the bigger games to come."
Young Arsenal striker Rhys Murphy, who has recently declared for Ireland, is attracting strong interest from Glasgow Rangers.
Murphy, 20, has already been training with the Ibrox club and recently played in a trial game against Hamilton.
West Sussex-born Murphy, whose grandfather hails from Dublin has declared for Ireland, with sources saying the processing of his application by the FAI is well advanced.
Rangers boss Ally McCoist has confirmed the club’s interest in the Arsenal reserve, saying this week: "He is going to come up and join us again towards the end of next week for the following week’s training just to have a look at him."
Murphy also trained with Middlesbrough and was given a run-out in a pre-season game against Carlisle before heading north to Ibrox. There are also reports that Liverpool have expressed an interest in the striker.
Regarded as a clinical finisher, Murphy is a product of the Arsenal Academy and netted some vital goals for the U18s in their double-winning season of 2009.
Murphy’s declaration for Ireland means that should a move to Ibrox come off, it would make him one of only a handful of Irish players who have been on Glasgow Rangers’ books in the club’s history.
The most recent was Cobh-born goalkeeper Alan Smith, who joined the club from Crumlin United in 2010 and was subsequently called into the Irish U18 squad.
