Trapattoni names 23-man squad for Brazil
Monday, 22 February 2010 14:31Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni has announced a 23-man squad to face Brazil in the Emirates Stadium on 2 March.
Trapattoni has called-up uncapped Marc Wilson (Portsmouth), Greg Cunningham (Manchester City) and James McCarthy (Wigan Athletic) for the clash with Brazil. However, there is no place for ex-Bohemians goalkeeper Brian Murphy.
As well as the new faces in the squad, the Republic have also included their senior men, including record scorer Robbie Keane, currently enjoying a decent run of form during his loan spell at Celtic.
John O'Shea misses out due to the leg injury he sustained against France. A blood clot formed, which has kept him sidelined since, and the Manchester United defender may not play again this season.
Celtic defender Darren O'Dea is left out, as are Hibernian's Liam Miller and Anthony Stokes.
The squad will face a full strength Brazil side as Dunga and his players prepare for this summer's World Cup in South Africa.
Trapattoni is eager for his players to put the frustration of losing to France in the World Cup qualifying play-off behind them. He said:''I look forward to working with my squad again after the disappointment of Paris.
'The priority now is to build on the progress made during the last campaign and prepare ourselves over the coming months mentally and tactically for an important Euro campaign.'
Republic of Ireland squad to face Brazil on 2 March, at The Emirates Stadium, kick-off 8.05pm.
Goalkeepers: Shay Given (Manchester City), Keiren Westwood (Coventry City), Joe Murphy (Scunthorpe United).
Defenders: Richard Dunne (Aston Villa), Stephen Kelly (Fulham), Kevin Kilbane (Hull City), Kevin Foley (Wolves), Sean St Ledger (Preston North End), Paul McShane (Hull City), Marc Wilson (Portsmouth), Greg Cunningham (Manchester City).
Midfielders: Aiden McGeady (Celtic), Damien Duff (Fulham), Darron Gibson (Manchester United), Glenn Whelan (Stoke City), Keith Andrews (Blackburn Rovers), Stephen Hunt (Hull City), Liam Lawrence (Stoke City), James McCarthy (Wigan Athletic).
Forwards:Kevin Doyle (Wolves), Robbie Keane (Celtic), Shane Long (Reading), Leon Best (Newcastle United).
