Republic of Ireland coach Mick McCarthy has seen key players ruled out with injury ahead of the friendly next Wednesday night in Dublin against the US.
Captain Roy Keane (Manchester United), goalkeeper Alan Kelly (Blackburn), winger Mark Kennedy (Wolves) and midfielder Lee Carsley (Everton) are all injured but McCarthy expects all four to be fit for his final squad selection next month ahead of the World Cup finals.
« I’m not worried about the absence of the four injured lads. It’s better that they have plenty of time to recover before we head off for Tokyo on May 17th. »
The squad in full –
Goalkeepers – Shay Given (Newcastle United), Dean Kiely (Charlton Athletic) and Nick Colgan (Hibernian).
Defenders – Steve Staunton (Aston Villa), Ian Harte (Leeds United), Richard Dunne (Manchester City), Gary Breen (Coventry City), Andy O’Brien (Newcastle United), Gary Kelly (Leeds United), Ken Cunningham (Wimbledon) and Steve Finnan (Fulham).
Midfielders – Rory Delap (Southampton), Jason McAteer (Sunderland), Matt Holland (Ipswich Town), Kevin Kilbane (Sunderland), Stephen Reid (Millwall), Colin Healy (Celtic) and Mark Kinsella (Charlton Athletic).
Strikers – Niall Quinn (Sunderland), Robbie Keane (Leeds United), Clinton Morrison (Crystal Palace), Damien Duff (Blackburn Rovers), David Connolly (Wimbledon) and Richard Sadlier (Millwall).
