West Brom midfielder Mark Kinsella has been recalled to the 22-man Republic of Ireland squad for the friendly against the Czech Republic at Lansdowne Road on March 31.
Manager Brian Kerr left Kinsella out of his last two squads for the games against Canada and Brazil because the 31-year-old was not enjoying first-team football at the time with Aston Villa.
But a move to West Brom has had the desired effect, with Kinsella starting in eight of the First Division side's last 10 games.
Back after injury comes Hibernian goalkeeper Nicky Colgan at the expense of West Brom's Joe Murphy. Leeds United midfielder Stephen McPhail is also recalled after regaining his place in the Elland Road first team.
The Sunderland pair of Gary Breen and Jason McAteer as well as Manchester United's John O'Shea, were not considered as both clubs face vital FA Cup semi-finals the weekend after the Czech game.
"Mark Kinsella needed to be playing first-team football," said Kerr. "At his age, it was not good for him not getting regular matches at the top level. But the move to West Brom has ended that frustration."
He added: "After discussions with Sunderland boss Mick McCarthy and Manchester United's Sir Alex Ferguson, I decided not to include McAteer, Breen and O'Shea with those vital FA Cup semi-finals looming. I've always had excellent co-operation with club managers and this was the right thing to do on this occasion."
Ireland squad: Given (Newcastle United), Colgan (Hibernians), Kenny (Sheffield United), Finnan (Liverpool), O’Brien (Newcastle United), Dunne (Manchester City), Doherty (Tottenham Hotspur), Cunningham (Birmingham City), Carr (Tottenham Hotspur), Harte (Leeds United), Carsley (Everton), Delap (Southampton), Kinsella (West Bromwich Albion), McPhail (Leeds United), Holland (Charlton Athletic), Kilbane (Everton), Reid (Nottingham Forest), Duff (Chelsea), Lee (Cardiff City), Connolly (West Ham United), Keane (Tottenham Hotspur), Morrison (Birmingham City).
Filed by Rob Wright
