Soccer

No place for Finnan, Reid on stand-by

Soccer: There was no place for Steve Finnan in today’s 24-man Republic of Ireland squad but manager Giovanni Trapattoni has …

Thu Jul 30 2009 - 01:00

Soccer:There was no place for Steve Finnan in today's 24-man Republic of Ireland squad but manager Giovanni Trapattoni has still opted for a strong showing ahead of the international friendly against Australia at Thomond Park on August 12th.

There were suggestions Finnan might link up with the squad after the former Liverpool defender has been released by Spanish side Espanyol and has been linked with Premier League side Portsmouth.

The friendly comes too soon for Blackburn’s Steven Reid, who is still working his way back from a long-term knee injury but has been named as one of Trapattoni’s three players on stand-by along with Alex Bruce and Damien Delaney.

The Wolves duo of Kevin Foley and Kevin Doyle have been named in today’s squad, as have fellow Munster players Eddie Nolan, Liam Miller, Shane Long, Stephen Hunt and John O’Shea.

READ MORE

“This upcoming friendly against Australia in Thomond Park in Limerick is of utmost importance to our side as it acts as our final game ahead of our World Cup qualifier against Cyprus in Nicosia in September,” said Trapattoni, who delayed his squad announcement after missing a flight from Milan to Dublin yesterday.

“Australia, who have already qualified for the World Cup, will provide a stern test for the team as Pim Verbeek and his team have advanced through the Asian World Cup qualifiers undefeated in the final qualification phase.

“I am looking forward to playing an international friendly of this stature at the magnificent Thomond Park in Limerick. I am aware of the proud sporting culture in Limerick and I am sure that the people of Munster will get behind the team for this game.”

The match takes place on Wednesday, August 12th and tickets are available from Ticketmaster plus various other outlets, priced €55 for the east and west stands, €35 and €25 for the terraces.

Republic of Ireland squad (v Australia):

Goalkeepers: Shay Given, Kieren Westwood, Joe Murphy
Defenders: John O'Shea, Kevin Foley, Richard Dunne, Stephen Kelly, Kevin Kilbane, Eddie Nolan, Sean St Ledger
Midfielders; Aiden McGeady, Darron Gibson, Damien Duff, Glenn Whelan, Keith Andrews, Liam Miller, Stephen Hunt, Andy Keogh, Liam Lawrence
Forwards: Caleb Folan, Kevin Doyle, Robbie Keane, Shane Long, Loen Best