Soccer:Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni has named an extended 26-man squad for the upcoming friendly against Greece, with Norwich City winger Wes Hoolahan receiving a call-up to the senior squad.
Trapattoni recently watched the Dubliner in action in the Canaries’ victory over Arsenal at Carrow Road, and admitted that he was impressed with his performance.
Hoolahan is joined in the squad by Everton centre back Shane Duffy and Crystal Palace’s Damien Delaney, while midfielders Conor Clifford of Chelsea and Sunderland’s David Meyler are also included for the game at the Aviva Stadium on November 14th.
Robbie Keane has been rested for the game, while Shane Long, Richard Dunne, Sean St Ledger and Darron Gibson all miss out through injury.
Ciaran Clark is included despite being out of action for almost a month with a knee problem. Stoke left back Marc Wilson is missing after breaking his leg in his club’s draw with Sunderland last weekend.
The squad will be shortened to 23 players before they meet up on November 11th
Hoolahan, 30, who won his solitary cap in 2008 was initially included in Trapattoni’s squad for the August friendly in Serbia but was unable to accept the recall due to injury.
Trapattoni said: “I have decided to choose a provisional 26-man squad for this game due to injury doubts over players.
“As we have a break from competitive games for a few months, I am using this fixture as an opportunity to try out new players and view their potential.
“Greece are currently 10th in Fifa’s world rankings, and will provide a very difficult opposition for us.
“Players like (Georgios) Samaras, (Fanis) Gekas, and (Giorgos) Karagounis are extremely talented. I am looking forward to setting our squad up for this challenge.”
Republic of Ireland (squad for friendly against Greece):
Goalkeepers:Keiren Westwood (Sunderland), David Forde (Millwall), Darren Randolph (Motherwell).
Defenders:Seamus Coleman (Everton), John O'Shea (Sunderland), Darren O'Dea (Toronto), Stephen Kelly (Fulham, Paul McShane (Hull City), Stephen Ward (Wolves), Shane Duffy (Everton), Ciaran Clark (Aston Villa), Damien Delaney (Crystal Palace).
Midfielders:Keith Andrews (Bolton), James McCarthy (Wigan) , Keith Fahey (Birmingham), David Meyler (Sunderland), Glenn Whelan (Stoke), Conor Clifford (Chelsea), Andy Keogh Millwall), Aiden McGeady (Spartak Moscow), James McClean (Sunderland), Robbie Brady (Manchester United), Wes Hoolahan (Norwich City).
Forwards:Kevin Doyle (Wolves), Simon Cox (Nottingham Foreest), Jon Walters (Stoke).
