Five new faces in Stan's first squad

Sweden provide the opposition in Staunton's first run-out as manager of the international side at Lansdowne Road on March 1 and the former Walsall player/coach has called upon five new faces for the friendly.

The new additions in a 23-man squad include Manchester City youngster Stephen Ireland, Bolton Wanderers midfielder Joey O'Brien, Tottenham Hotspur full-back Stephen Kelly, Sunderland winger Liam Lawrence and Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper Wayne Henderson.

Staunton said: "I have been looking at a lot of players very closely over the last month and the time is right to give some new lads the opportunity to play at senior level."

Republic of Ireland squad v Sweden:

Goalkeepers: Given (Newcastle United), Kenny (Sheffield United), Henderson (Brighton & Hove Albion).

Defenders: Breen (Sunderland), Harte (Levante), Finnan (Liverpool), A O'Brien (Portsmouth), Dunne (Manchester City), O'Shea (Manchester United), Kelly (Tottenham Hotspur).

Midfielders: Miller (Leeds United), Kilbane (Everton), S Reid (Blackburn Rovers), Duff (Chelsea), Kavanagh (Wigan Athletic), J O'Brien (Bolton Wanderers), Ireland (Manchester City), Douglas (Leeds United).

Forwards: Keane (Tottenham Hotspur), Morrison (Crystal Palace), Doyle (Reading), Elliott (Sunderland), Lawrence (Sunderland).