Irish Squad Named for Italian Game

Steve Finnan, Gary Breen and Richard Dunne and all return to the squad after missing the Qualifiers against Israel and Faroe Islands through injury as do Robbie Keane and Andy O’Brien who missed the Faroe Islands game through injury and suspension respectively.

Brian Kerr said, “this game, against one of the aristocrats of International football, will provide ideal preparation for the important World Cup Qualifiers against France, Cyprus and Switzerland over the next two months.”

One noticeable absentee from the squad is 33yr old Manchester United captain Roy Keane who has just regained fitness after his recent hamstring injury.

"There is a crowded fixture list at this time of the year - it is better that we definitely have Roy available for the vital qualifying tie against France in Dublin on September 7," said Kerr.

Given (Newcastle United), Kenny (Sheffield United), Colgan (Barnsley), Cunningham (Birmingham City), Breen (Sunderland), O’Brien (Portsmouth), O’Shea (Manchester United), Carr (Newcastle United), Harte (Levante), Finnan (Liverpool), Dunne (Manchester City), S Reid (Blackburn Rovers), Miller (Manchester United), Holland (Charlton Athletic), Kavanagh (Wigan Athletic), Kilbane (Everton), A Reid (Tottenham Hotspur), Quinn (Sheffield United), Duff (Chelsea), Doherty (Norwich City), Elliott (Sunderland), Morrison (Birmingham City), Keane (Tottenham Hotspur).