Soccer/ Euro 2008 qualifying: Just a day after Roy Keane had suggested that Liam Miller has the capacity to become the key figure in the Republic of Ireland's midfield, Steve Staunton took the first step towards handing the Sunderland midfielder another opportunity to establish his international credentials by calling him into the squad for Saturday's game against Germany.

The Corkman hasn't featured for his country since coming on for Steven Reid in the humiliation by the Netherlands in August of last year and, a failed attempt to recruit him for the trip to the United States apart, Staunton has overlooked him completely when naming squads this year but, the Ireland manager insisted yesterday, the door has always remained open for the former Celtic and Manchester United man.

"I've always liked Liam," said the Louthman. "He was in my first squad (he actually scored a very fine goal against the Swedes) but at this moment in time he hasn't fulfilled his potential and it's down to Liam. He's at a good age now and the more games he plays for Sunderland the better for everyone, including himself.

"He's got back in the side the last couple of games and played well on Sunday. But prior to that he was only getting back into the swings of things really and it will take time. We need Liam playing regularly."

To judge by Keane's reflections on the Arsenal game, Staunton can probably count on that much. "I thought Liam was brilliant at Arsenal - his energy, his passing, his movement; we just want to see it on a consistent basis," said the Sunderland boss.

"Anyone who watched the game saw that Liam was outstanding. That's what he's capable of. Of course, to be a top player you've got to do it week in, week out and that's the challenge for Liam. I have spoken to him about it."

At first glance then, the two managers might appear to be close to agreement on the midfielder's current situation but there is some divergence on precisely what his role should be during the next few days.

"Liam has been called up this morning as cover for the two lads (Andy Reid and Darren Potter), said Staunton yesterday. "If he is doing that against sides like Arsenal," observed Keane the day before, "he shouldn't just be in the (international) squad, he should be in the starting 11 and dictating games for Ireland."

Staunton, of course, will be the one making the call over the next few days and so Miller's prospects of adding to the 13 caps he has earned to date appears to depend on how well Reid and Potter can shake off the injuries currently troubling them.

Neither they nor John O'Shea took any part in the squad's training session yesterday morning at Malahide while Miller had not yet arrived.

The rest of the squad looked relaxed, though, during a 10-a-side game at the end.

"Andy has trained in the gym," said Staunton. "Nothing has showed up on the scan but there's a lot of fluid in the ankle so we'll play it day-by-day. It's looking as if he plays Saturday he probably wouldn't be fit for Wednesday. So we'll have to see if he's 100 per cent for Saturday.

"Potter has done a little bit of jogging and he was okay with that. But we'll know more tomorrow when he gets involved in the football side of things."

O'Shea, meanwhile, continues to make progress in his recovery from the thigh strain picked up in Manchester United's game against Wigan Athletic on Saturday. "Obviously Josh is still a wee bit sore," remarked the manager, "but he should be alright."

Staunton declined to be drawn on whether the withdrawal of Stephen Ireland from the squad had cast a shadow over the initial preparations for Saturday's game, describing the loss of the midfielder as "yesterday's news".

Amid reports, however, that the Corkman might be concerned about the reaction of other squad members to his return after the nature of his departure from Bratislava last month, Steve Finnan maintained that the 21-year-old had nothing to fear. "Obviously I can't say anything about what he's going through," said the Liverpool defender, "other than to say that it would be good to have him back with the squad. Maybe he felt it was going to be difficult coming back in so soon after what happened but he's done well, he has a bright future and whatever issues he's got to sort out it would be good if he could do it quickly.

"I'm sure that the manager and players all want him back because he's made a really good start to his career at this level. I don't think that the players would hold anything against him, they want him back."

Republic of Ireland v Germany Venue: Croke Park Kick-off: Saturday, 7.45pm On TV: RTÉ Two, Sky Sports 2