Soccer

No tinkering in Trap's squad for Cyprus

Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni has named an unchanged squad for the World Cup qualifier away to Cyprus on September…

Fri Aug 21 2009 - 01:00

Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni has named an unchanged squad for the World Cup qualifier away to Cyprus on September 5th and the friendly international against South Africa at Thomond Park on September 8th.

The 24 players also made up the squad for the shock 3-0 friendly loss to Australia at the Limerick venue recently, with Trapattoni looking forward to the key Group Eight game in Nicosia.

“We have put ourselves in a good position in the qualification group going into this game. The match against Cyprus is very important as we continue to try to book our place in South Africa next summer,” said Trapattoni.

“The match against South Africa in Thomond Park will provide useful preparation for our final two World Cup qualifying games against Italy and Montenegro in Croke Park in October,” he added.

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Trapattoni will take in tonight’s League of Ireland clash between Bohemians and Galway United at Dalymount Park, before heading to Eastlands for Manchester City’s Premier League clash against Wolves tomorrow afternoon.

Five of his squad may see action in that game, including Kevin Doyle, who is set to make his Premier League debut for Mick McCarthy’s side after recovering from a groin injury.

Trapattoni indicated that he won’t be actively seeking out Stephen Ireland and that it was still up to the talented midfielder to contact him if he intends to end his international exile.

Republic of Ireland (Squad v Cyprus and South Africa) S Given (Man City), K Westwood (Coventry City), J Murphy (Scunthorpe United).

Goalkeepers:

Defenders:J O'Shea (Manchester United), K Foley (Wolves), R Dunne (Man City), S Kelly (Fulham), K Kilbane (Hull City), E Nolan (Preston North End), S St Ledger (Preston North End).

Midfielders:A McGeady (Celtic), D Duff (Fulham), D Gibson (Man Utd), G Whelan (Stoke City), K Andrews (Blackburn Rovers), L Miller (Unattached), S Hunt (Hull City), A Keogh (Wolves), L Lawrence (Stoke City).

Forwards:C Folan (Hull City), K Doyle (Wolves), R Keane (Tottenham Hotspur), S Long (Reading), L Best (Coventry City).