Duff included in Republic squad
Thursday, 24 January 2008 18:46Damien Duff has been named in the Republic of Ireland squad to face Brazil in next month's international friendly at Croke Park.
Caretaker manager Don Givens has included the 28-year-old Newcastle United winger in a 21-man squad for the first game of 2008.
Duff hasn't played for the national side since the 1-0 win over Slovakia last March but has made eight appearances for the Magpies since his return from injury last month.
'The return of Damien Duff is a boost as there is no doubt he was sorely missed during the final stages of the Euro 2008 campaign,' admitted Givens.
Andy O'Brien and Steven Reid, who were named in the squad for the final Euro 2008 qualifier away to Wales but were forced to withdraw, are also included.
'Everybody is starting to focus on the start of the World Cup qualifying campaign in September,' added Givens.
'It is great to start our preparations for the campaign with a game against Brazil and should be a fabulous evening at Croke Park.'
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND squad v Brazil, Croke Park, 6 February at 7.45pm:
Goalkeepers: Shay Given (Newcastle United), Joe Murphy (Scunthorpe United), Colin Doyle (Birmingham City)
Defenders: Stephen Kelly (Birmingham City), John O'Shea (Manchester United), Andy O'Brien (Bolton Wanderers), Joey O'Brien (Bolton Wanderers), Kevin Kilbane (Wigan Athletic), Richard Dunne (Manchester City), Paul McShane (Sunderland).
Midfielders: Lee Carsley (Everton), Andy Reid (Charlton Athletic), Steven Reid (Blackburn Rovers), Aiden McGeady (Celtic), Stephen Hunt (Reading), Liam Miller (Sunderland), Damien Duff (Newcastle United).
Forwards: Robbie Keane (Tottenham Hotstpur), Kevin Doyle (Reading), Shane Long (Reading), Daryl Murphy (Sunderland).
