Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy has reduced his squad for the upcoming friendly against Croatia to 24 from its original 39. McCarthy had already been forced to plan without the injured Stephen Carr, Kenny Cunningham, Gary Breen and Mark Kinsella, who are also doubtful for the crucial World Cup qualifier against Holland in September.
Bohemians' Glenn Crowe, who had been widely expected to win his first cap against Croatia, has also been omitted from the squad, despite his recent goalscoring form in the Champions League qualifiers. Sporting Lisbon's Phil Babb has also seen a possible return to international action delayed, while Leeds United's Stephen McPhail returns from injury and could start alongside Roy Keane in the centre of midfield.
McCarthy has also handed first time call-ups to Manchester United's John O'Shea, Millwall's Stephen Reid and Crystal Palace's Clinton Morrison.
The full squad is:
Goalkeepers: Shay Given (Newcastle Utd), Alan Kelly (Blackburn), Dean Kiely (Charlton).
Defenders: Gary Doherty (Tottenham), Richard Dunne (Manchester City), Ian Harte (Leeds Utd), Gary Kelly (Leeds Utd), Andy O'Brien (Newcastle Utd), John O'Shea (Manchester Utd), Steve Staunton (Aston Villa).
Midfielders: Lee Carsley (Coventry); Steve Finnan (Fulham), Matt Holland (Ipswich), Roy Keane (Manchester Utd), Mark Kennedy (Wolves), Kevin Kilbane (Sunderland), Jason McAteer (Blackburn), Stephen McPhail (Leeds Utd), Stephen Reid (Millwall).
Forwards: David Connolly (Wimbledon), Damien Duff (Blackburn), Robbie Keane (Leeds Utd), Clinton Morrison (Crystal Palace), Niall Quinn (Sunderland).
Filed by Shane Murray
