Manager Brian Kerr has called former captain Roy Keane into the Republic of Ireland squad for next week's friendly international away to Poland. The Manchester United midfielder has been included in an Irish squad for the first time in almost two years following his controversial pre-World Cup exit in Saipan in 2002.
Last week, the 32-year-old United skipper ended his exile from international football, which began when he was sent home shortly before the 2002 World Cup Finals in Japan and South Korea following a row with then manager Mick McCarthy.
However, Keane confirmed his decision to make himself available for selection last week and Kerr has responded by officially welcoming him back to the international fold.
However, Birmingham defender Kenny Cunningham will retain the captaincy despite Keane's return to the squad. The news will have come as a surprise to Old Trafford manager Alex Ferguson, who believed Keane was only going to be required for competitive internationals.
Instead, Ferguson must come to terms with the knowledge that his captain will now undertake an arduous journey to Eastern Europe in the middle of key Barclaycard Premiership fixtures with Liverpool and Blackburn even though he has missed the last three United games with a hamstring strain.
Having consulted with the rest of his squad, including skipper Cunningham, Kerr has opted to bring Keane back into the fold and hopes his return will play a major role in steering his team to the 2006 World Cup in Germany. Ireland's qualification programme begins in September and, aside from 1998 champions France, includes tricky opponents in Switzerland and Cyprus as well as the Faroe Islands.
The Manchester United man will, if selected, win his 59th international cap and his first since May 2002 when he played against Nigeria.
Hibernian 'keeper Nicky Colgan, West Ham striker David Connolly and Newcastle defender Andy O'Brien also return to the fold. There are also places for John O'Shea, Gary Breen and Jason McAteer, who return after missing the game against the Czech Republic due to club commitments.
Celtic midfielder Liam Miller and Hearts full back Alan Maybury retain their places after coming in as late replacements against the Czechs.
However, Kerr's squad was hit by its first withdrawal within minutes of being announced.
Tottenham captain Stephen Carr has just had an injection to ease a back injury and he will miss Sunday's home date with champions-elect Arsenal and his country's friendly next Wednesday.
White Hart Lane stand-in boss David Pleat told: "Carr has had a back injection which makes him unavailable to play for the Republic. He wouldn't be fit enough for the game as he needs to rest. We're withdrawing him and they'll be getting a call from us this afternoon."
Republic of Ireland squad to play Poland in friendly in Poznan on April 28:
Given (Newcastle), Colgan (Hibernian), Kenny (Sheff Utd), Maybury (Hearts), Cunningham (Birmingham), Doherty (Tottenham), Harte (Leeds), O'Brien (Newcastle), Breen (Sunderland), O'Shea (Man Utd), Miller (Celtic), Roy Keane (Man Utd), Reid (Nottm For), Holland (Charlton), Delap (Southampton), McAteer (Sunderland), Kinsella (West Brom), Kilbane (Everton), Duff (Chelsea), Lee (Cardiff), Connolly (West Ham), Robbie Keane (Tottenham), Morrison (Birmingham).
Filed by Shane Murray
