O’Brien & Reid return to Republic squad

Blackburn Rovers midfielder Steven Reid and Bolton Wanderers defender Andy O’Brien have been named in the Republic of Ireland squad for the first time in over a year.

The duo have been included by caretaker manager Don Givens in a 22-man squad for the side’s final Euro 2008 qualifier away to Wales on Saturday, 17 November.

Reid, who has been blighted by injury over the past 12 months, last played for the Republic in the opening game of the campaign away to Germany in September 2006. O’Brien hasn’t been involved since missing the October 2007 home game against the Czech Republic because of injury.

There is also a call-up for Scunthorpe United goalkeeper Joe Murphy whose only cap came as a substitute against Turkey in 2004, while Sunderland striker Anthony Stokes will also be heading to Wales before returning to Ireland, along with Givens, to link up with the Under-21 squad for the European Championship qualifier against Bulgaria on 20 November.

‘I am delighted that Steven Reid is back to full fitness after his injury problems and it will be a big boost for us to have him in the squad,’ Givens admitted.

‘Andy O’Brien has benefitted from getting regular football at Bolton Wanderers and that too will be a help. 

‘We want to finish the campaign on a high note by taking three points and finishing third behind Germany and the Czech Republic, so there is plenty for us to play for in Cardiff.’

Republic of Ireland squad for Euro 2008 qualifying group D match against Wales in Cardiff on Saturday, 17 November:

Given (Newcastle), J Murphy (Scunthorpe), C Doyle (Birmingham); Finnan (Liverpool), Kelly (Birmingham), Dunne (Man City), McShane (Sunderland), A O'Brien (Bolton), J O'Brien (Bolton), O'Shea (Man Utd); McGeady (Celtic), Carsley (Everton), Douglas (Leeds), S Reid (Blackburn), A Reid (Charlton), Miller (Sunderland), Hunt (Reading), Kilbane (Wigan); Keane (Tottenham), D Murphy (Sunderland), Stokes (Sunderland), K Doyle (Reading).