Soccer:Keith Andrews and Damien Duff return to the Republic of Ireland squad ahead of Euro 2012 qualifiers against Russia and Slovakia, having missed the opening two games through injury, while Giovanni Trapattoni has a slight concern over the fitness of defender Richard Dunne.
A groin strain forced Andrews to remain with Blackburn Rovers before the squad assembled ahead of the games against Armenia and Andorra earlier this month, while Duff returned to Fulham prior to the trip to Yerevan. The two might have come face-to-face at the weekend had Andrews been fit enough but he remains sidelined and has yet to feature for his club this season.
With a little under three weeks to go until Russia's visit to the Aviva Stadium on October 8th, Trapattoni is clearly prepared to give the former Wolves and MK Dons player as much time as possible to get back in shape, but the manager is doubtful he will make the game or, indeed, the trip to Zilina four days later.
To that end, he's happy with what he has in reserve having seen Paul Green come through the games against Armenia and Andorra adequately, if not entirely convincingly, while Darron Gibson appears to have escaped any sanction for his ill-advised critique of Trapattoni's opinion on his club career.
The midfielder said his international manager was "having a laugh" if he expected him to leave Manchester United for more regular first team football with a less glamorous side.
Midfielder Keith Treacy of Preston North End is also included after he recovered from injury, following a brief but bright cameo in the friendly against Argentina in August. He played 45 minutes for his club at the weekend in his bid to return to match fitness.
As per usual, there were few surprises in the Italian’s selection, though striker Anthony Stokes might consider himself unlucky to miss out after a bright start to his Celtic career. Reading’s Shane Long and CSKA Sofia’s Cillian Sheridan are both named as back-up to the frontline partnership of captain Robbie Keane and Wolves striker Kevin Doyle.
Trapattoni’s main injury concern is Dunne who limped out of Aston Villa’s 1-1 draw with Bolton Wanderers at the weekend. As it stands, he looks likely to miss the Carling Cup tie with Blackburn tomorrow but is not expected to be a long-term absentee.
“I spoke with him after the game and I’m confident and he’s confident. He said maybe he needs seven days rest,” said the Italian at Dublin Airport today.
Trapattoni described the double-header on the horizon as the “biggest hour of qualifying”, predicting tough games and a wounded, “angry” animal in Russia after their defeat to Slovakia in Moscow.
“We have to prepare for this game (Russia) with 110 per cent concentration. And I hope we can be 10 to 20 per cent better. We will look to win this game, that’s important. But we have to remember that while it is important to win, it’s more important not to lose.”
The manager was asked about the future of goalkeeper Shay Given, who is seeking a loan move out of Manchester City in January and has been linked with a return to Newcastle United today, but he appeared unconcerned over the form of his one genuinely world class player.
“I’m not worried about Given. I spoke to him after the Armenia and Andorra games, and he is confident about the future. I’m confident about him, Shay is Shay. I’m sure he trains hard.
“It is the same with (Liam) Lawrence and (Kevin) Kilbane. Our team is like that. They players don’t always play for their clubs but we don’t look for excuses.”
Republic of Ireland squad
Goalkeepers:Shay Given, Keiren Westwood, Joe Murphy
Defenders:John O'Shea, Richard Dunne, Sean St Ledger, Greg Cunningham, Kevin Foley, Stephen Kelly, Paul McShane, Darren O'Dea, Kevin Kilbane
Midfielders:Keith Andrews, Glenn Whelan, Darron Gibson, Paul Green, Liam Lawrence, Aiden McGeady, Andy Keogh, Damien Duff, Keith Fahey, Keith Treacy
Forwards:Robbie Keane, Kevin Doyle, Shane Long, Cillian Sheridan