Soccer: Aston Villa defender Ciaran Clark could yet make his Republic of Ireland debut against Norway on Wednesday night after Fifa indicated they may consider his application to play for Giovanni Trapattoni's side ahead of the match.
The manager has named the former England under-18 captain in his trimmed down 25-man squad for the friendly in the hope he can give him his first taste of action in a green jersey since the defender made it clear he was committed to the Irish cause for the future.
The 21-year-old Londoner qualifies through his mother and grandparents and opted to play for the Republic at senior level after talking to clubmate Richard Dunne, who is in line to win his 64th cap against the Norwegians.
Skipper Robbie Keane, however, has withdrawn with an ankle injury and defender Paul McShane and striker Caleb Folan will also be missing with thigh and knee problems respectively.
Keane’s absence is likely to mean an opportunity for Stoke City striker Jonathan Walters, who has been called up for the first time.Trapattoni has only named three recognised strikers in Walters, Kevin Doyle and Shane Long, meaning there is no place for Celtic's Anthony Stokes.
There will also be an opportunity for Everton’s Seamus Coleman to make his debut. The former Sligo Rovers player has been in sparkling form on the right wing for the Toffees, despite originally impressing as a right back.
Preston North End's Keith Treacy is also among the 25. The left winger shone in a brief cameo against Argentina in August but will have competition in midfield because of the return of Stephen Hunt to the squad after injury.
Rep of Ireland squad: Shay Given (Manchester City), Keiren Westwood (Coventry); John O'Shea (Manchester United), Ciaran Clark (Aston Villa), Seamus Coleman (Everton), Richard Dunne (Aston Villa), Sean St Ledger (Preston), Greg Cunningham (Manchester City), Kevin Foley (Wolves), Kevin Kilbane (Hull), Stephen Kelly (Fulham), Darren O'Dea (Celtic); Marc Wilson (Stoke), Darron Gibson (Manchester United), Glenn Whelan (Stoke), Paul Green (Derby), Liam Lawrence (Portsmouth), Stephen Hunt (Wolves), Aiden McGeady (Spartak Moscow), Keith Treacy (Preston), Damien Duff (Fulham), Keith Fahey (Birmingham); Jonathan Walters (Stoke), Kevin Doyle (Wolves), Shane Long (Reading).