Lawrence named in Trapattoni's squad

Liam Lawrence's contribution to Stoke's Barclays Premier League survival campaign has earned him a call-up for the Republic of Ireland.

The 27-year-old midfielder has been included in a 25-man party for the friendly clash with Nigeria at Craven Cottage on Friday, May 29, and 22 of them will fly out to Sofia for the World Cup Group Eight qualifier against Bulgaria the following weekend.

Preston duo Eddie Nolan and Sean St Ledger are also included, as is Coventry striker Leon Best, with Alex Bruce, Damien Delaney, Steve Finnan, Darren O'Dea and Noel Hunt missing from the party initially named for the last two qualifiers against Bulgaria and Italy.

Manager Giovanni Trapattoni said: 'Preparations for the game against Nigeria on 29 May will allow us to see some new players who have distinguished themselves during the course of the last season and also to welcome back players like Caleb Folan and Kevin Foley.

He added, 'Nigeria is a powerhouse of African football, with many strong and fast players who are playing for top clubs in England and Europe. They will provide a challenging test before the very important World Cup Qualfier in Bulgaria on 6 June.'

Republic of Ireland squad to play Nigera on 29 May and Bulgaria on 6 June:
Shay Given, Dean Kiely, Kieren Westwood, Eddie Nolan, Sean St Ledger, John O'Shea, Kevin Foley, Paul McShane, Richard Dunne, Stephen Kelly, Kevin Kilbane, Aiden McGeady, Damien Duff, Darron Gibson, Glenn Whelan, Keith Andrews, Liam Miller, Stephen Hunt, Andy Keogh, Liam Lawrence, Caleb Folan, Kevin Doyle, Robbie Keane, Shane Long, Leon Best