It was a case of one in, one still out for Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni today. The Italian and his backroom team managed to persuade Steve Finnan to return but midfielder Stephen Ireland has extended his self-imposed exile from the national side.

Trapattoni was able to name Finnan in his 22-man squad for the friendly against Norway later this month after the Liverpool defender reversed his decision to retire from international football.

There is also a welcome return for goalkeeper Shay Given, who missed the end of last season through injury, but the continued absence of Ireland denies the Italian much-needed creativity in midfield.

Stephen Ireland has told us he is not yet ready to make himself available but has indicated that he may do so in the future. As I have said before, my door remains open," Trapattoni said at this afternoon's squad announcement.

"I am happy that Steve Finnan has agreed to return to international football. He is an experienced player and he still has a lot to give to the team," he added.

Fellow veteran Andy O'Brien will not be joining Finnan in the Irish defence having declined Trapattoni's invitiation, with the the manager commenting: "I respect Andy O'Brien's decision and I thank him for letting us know."

Republic of Ireland Squad

Shay Given  (Newcastle United )
Dean Kiely (West Bromwich Albion)
 
Alex Bruce  (Ipswich Town)
Damien Delaney (Queen's Park Rangers)
Richard Dunne (Manchester City)
Steve Finnan (Liverpool)
Kevin Foley (Wolverhampton Wanderers)
Kevin Kilbane (Wigan Athletic)
Joey O'Brien (Bolton Wanderers)
John O'Shea (Manchester United)
 
Damien Duff  (Newcastle United)
Stephen Hunt (Reading)
Aiden McGeady (Celtic)
Liam Miller (Sunderland)
Andy Reid (Sunderland)
Steven Reid (Blackburn Rovers)
Glenn Whelan  (Stoke City)
 
Kevin Doyle  (Reading)
Robbie Keane (Liverpool)
Andy Keogh (Wolverhampton Wanderers)
Shane Long (Reading)
Daryl Murphy (Sunderland)