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Steve Staunton has chosen nine uncapped players named in the Republic of Ireland squad for the friendly internationals against Ecuador and Bolivia later in the month. Ipswich Town defender Alex Bruce, Sheffield United full back Derek Geary,Arsenal youth Joseph O'Cearuill all receive debut call-ups. Birmingham Citys in form goalkeeper Colin Doyle, Sunderland striker Daryl Murphy, Wigan man Caleb Folan, Preston defender Sean St Ledger plus Wolves pair Darren Potter and Andy Keogh are the uncapped players in the squad. Keogh keeps his place in the squad having been called in as a replacement for Caleb Folan in the Euro 2008 qualifiers against Wales and Slovakia in March. Another Wolves teammate and former Bohemians player Stephen Ward has been left out despite speculation that he might earn a first cap.
Murphy and another three Sunderland players are included, fit-again Stephen Elliott and midfielder Liam Miller are named in Staunton's 23-man squad.
Dubliner Anthony Stokes who is involved with the Irish under-19 squad for next week's European qualifiers is also picked.
Most of the squad's senior members have been allowed to stay at home for the games in New York and Boston. Robbie Keane, Richard Dunne and Shay Given are rested. Liverpool's Steve Finnan will be playing in the Champions league final and Celtic pair Darren O'Dea and Aiden McGeady out due to the Scottish Cup final against Dunfermline Athletic.
There are some experienced players present with John O'Shea, and Wigan's Kevin Kilbane both set to make go to the USA. Staunton said: "This is an opportunity for players to stake a claim to be in the squad when the Euro 2008 campaign resumes in the autumn. "It will give me and the management team a chance to look at these players up close and it will also give them valuable international experience."
Republic of Ireland squad (friendly internationals v. Ecuador and Bolivia, May 23-26):
Goalkeepers: Nick Colgan (Barnsley), Wayne Henderson (Preston North End), Colin Doyle (Birmingham City).
Defenders: Stephen Kelly (Birmingham City), Paul McShane (West Bromwich Albion), Sean St Ledger (Preston North End), Alex Bruce (Ipswich Town), Derek Geary (Sheffield United), Joseph O'Cearuill (Arsenal), John O'Shea (Manchester United).
Midfielders: Darren Potter (Wolves), Stephen Ireland (Manchester City), Stephen Hunt (Reading), Alan O'Brien (Newcastle United), Liam Miller (Sunderland), Kevin Kilbane (Wigan Athletic).
Forwards: Kevin Doyle, Shane Long (both Reading), Caleb Folan (Wigan Athletic), Daryl Murphy, Stephen Elliott, Anthony Stokes (all Sunderland), Andy Keogh (Wolves).
USA trip fixtures:
Wednesday, May 23rd: Republic of Ireland v Ecuador, Giants Stadium (New York), 1am Irish time
Saturday, May 26th: Republic of Ireland v Bolivia, Gillette Stadium (Boston), 9pm Irish time