skip to main content

Five new faces in Staunton's maiden squad

Manchester City's Stephen Ireland could make his debut against Sweden next month
Manchester City's Stephen Ireland could make his debut against Sweden next month

Steve Staunton has opted for a combination of experience and youth for his maiden squad as manager of the Republic of Ireland. 

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).

Read Next