Trap finds no place for either Reid
Friday, 30 October 2009 22:52
Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni has left Steve Finnan, Steven Reid, Andy Reid and Clinton Morrison out of his squad to face France in their World Cup 2010 qualifying play-off.
It had been rumoured that Portsmouth full-back Finnan would be included to address issues with cover in defence, while midfielder Steven Reid has been playing for Blackburn in recent weeks and a return was also expected in his case but Trapattoni has opted not to bring either player back into the squad.
Trapattoni has repeatedly omitted Andy Reid from Ireland squads since clashing with the Sunderland midfielder when the side played Georgia in September and has again resisted calls from pundits to reverse his stance.
Coventry striker Morrison was also thought to be in the running after Noel Hunt was ruled out of the squad but Trapattoni has instead brought Hibernian striker Anthony Stokes in. Morrison's Coventry team-mate Leon Best is also included.
Trapattoni said: 'We performed strongly throughout the qualifying group stages. We were undefeated in all ten games and this is a reflection of how we have played and also the mental strength of this team.
'France have a strong squad but we go into this play off knowing that we are only 180 minutes away from qualifying for the World Cup.'
The matches will take place on 14 and 18 November, with Ireland at home for the first leg.
Republic of Ireland squad for World Cup qualifying play-off against France, 14 & 18 November:
Goalkeepers
Shay Given, Kieren Westwood, Joe Murphy
Defenders
John O'Shea, Richard Dunne, Stephen Kelly, Kevin Kilbane, Eddie Nolan, Sean St Ledger, Paul McShane, Darren O'Dea
Midfielders
Aiden McGeady, Damien Duff, Darron Gibson, Glenn Whelan, Keith Andrews, Liam Miller, Stephen Hunt, Andy Keogh, Liam Lawrence
Forwards
Kevin Doyle, Robbie Keane, Shane Long, Leon Best, Anthony Stokes
