Martin O'Neill says he has not given up on Robbie Brady being available for this month's European Championship qualifier against Poland. The Republic of Ireland manager who has named an extended squad of 35 for the game, says the Dubliner was in touch last week to say he is "desperate" to be involved and on that basis, says the manager, he will give him every chance to make the cut.
“Robbie is desperate to play and asked not to be ruled out and so I’ll give him every opportunity,” says O’Neill. “The problem is a tear to the calf but it’s responding to treatment and it would certainly be nice to have him available.”
The manager says that he has no immediate concern about Shane Long who has been involved again with the Southampton first team squad over the last couple of weeks while he is hopeful Aiden McGeady will be available. "He made good progress but then had a bit of setback and is in a bit of pain when he kicks a ball at present but he has another week or two and I think he's going to be okay."
Damien Delaney misses out on the squad having apparently decided that he would be better concentrating on his club career at Crystal Palace while the international manager does not see him as central to his plans but Harry Arter gets his first senior international call-up with the Bournemouth midfielder rewarded for his strong form in the Championship.
“It might come as a pleasant surprise to him because I spoke to him a couple of weks ago but didn’t say anything,” says O’Neill. “But he’s been having a good season and his club have been having a brilliant season, so yeah, why not. It’s a chance to have a look at him and I think he deserves that opportunity.”
Republic of Ireland squad: Forde (Millwall), Given (Aston Villa), Elliott (Newcastle United), Westwood (Sheffield Wednesday), Randolph (Birmingham City), R. Keogh (Derby County), Wilson (Stoke City), Coleman (Everton), Christie (Derby County), O'Shea (Sunderland), Pearce (Reading), McShane (Hull City) , McCarthy (Everton), Hendrick (Derby County), Clark (Aston Villa), Ward (Burnley), Arter (Bournemouth), Whelan (Stoke City), Gibson (Everton), Green (Rotherham United), McGeady (Everton), Pilkington (Cardiff City), McClean (Wigan Athletic), Brady (Hull City), Quinn (Hull City), Meyler (Hull City), Hoolahan (Norwich), Keane (LA Galaxy), Long (Southampton), Murphy (Ipswich Town), Walters (Stoke City), Doyle (Wolves), Stokes (Celtic), Cox (Reading), McGoldrick (Ipswich Town).
