Squad news: Steve Staunton has included no less than seven new caps in his Republic of Ireland squad ahead of the European qualifier against minnows San Marino at the Serravalle Stadium on Wednesday week.
Considering the opponents it appears an opportune time to blood such youngsters but, it should be noted, many of these selections are injury enforced. Staunton, though, did concede the time was right to introduce fresh faces, many of whom could "form the backbone of this team in the future".
Despite promising reports during the week, Kevin Doyle is still struggling with his hamstring injury and misses out. Risking the striker at this stage would, Staunton said, be unfair to both the player and his club, and aggravating the injury further could force the Wexford man out of the Croke Park double-header against Wales and Slovakia in March.
Newcastle's Shay Given (groin), Andy Reid (hamstring) of Charlton and Blackburn's Steven Reid (knee) were already ruled out of next week's game while Birmingham defender Stephen Kelly is also omitted having only recently returned to training following a calf problem.
Similarly, there are no places for Portsmouth defender Andy O'Brien, Sunderland midfielder Liam Miller or Crystal Palace striker Clinton Morrison, all of whom have been dropped owing to both a loss of form and lack of game time at their respective clubs. Striker Alan Lee also misses out despite recent eye-catching form for Ipswich Town.
"Clinton knows he has to get back to form and start working hard," Staunton said. "The younger lads are in this squad on merit."
To counterbalance those losses and omissions, Staunton has gifted a number of under-21 and recent 'B' internationals their platform to the senior set-up. Charlton goalkeeper Darren Randolph (19) steps in as third choice between the posts owing to Given's injury and Paddy Kenny's continued absence from the squad for personal reasons.
Darron Gibson (19), the Manchester United midfielder on loan at Royal Antwerp, steps up for the first time as do Reading pair Stephen Hunt (25) and Shane Long (20); Sheffield United's Stephen Quinn (20) - a brother of international team-mate Alan; striker Andy Keogh (20), a recent Wolves acquisition and Sunderland striker Anthony Stokes (18).
Indeed, Randolph, Gibson, Keogh, Hunt and Stokes were all members of the B squad that drew 0-0 against Scotland at Dalymount Park in November and the Manchester United player, in particular, has caught the manager's eye.
"He (Gibson) is a big strong lad with a bit of everything," Staunton said. "His passing is excellent and he reads the game well. I spoke to Alex Ferguson and he thinks coming into the squad will be good for him. Whether he plays or not. . .Alex thinks it might be a bit too early for his development."
Stokes broke onto the scene following a successful loan spell at Falkirk but, because of injury, has played just once since moving to Sunderland earlier this month. Staunton, though, has spoken with Roy Keane and the Sunderland manager says his striker should feature by the weekend if not tonight against Crystal Palace.
"Like we said in the beginning, there has to be a period where we get the younger crew in," Staunton said. "We've been monitoring plenty of players and we now feel these boys are ready to come in. . .and who knows in the future they may become the backbone of the squad."
Levante's Ian Harte made his first appearance of the Primera Liga season against Athletic Bilbao last weekend having recovered from an ankle injury and is recalled to the squad having missed recent internationals. Newcastle defender Stephen Carr also returns.
In Richard Dunne and Paul McShane, Staunton has selected just two natural centre backs. John O'Shea's versatility means he too could play in that role if needed while Staunton conceded young Celtic defender Darren O'Dea was unlucky to miss out. Preston defender Sean St Ledger does not feature.
Republic of Ireland: Henderson (Brighton), Colgan (Barnsley), Randolph (Charlton), Finnan (Liverpool), Harte (Levante), McShane (West Brom), Dunne (Man City), Carr (Newcastle), O'Shea (Man Utd), Douglas (Leeds), Carsley (Everton), McGeady (Celtic), Duff (Newcastle), Kilbane (Wigan), Keane (Tottenham), Ireland (Man City), Gibson (Royal Antwerp), A Quinn (Sheff Utd), Keogh (Wolves), Hunt (Reading), Stokes (Sunderland), Elliott (Sunderland), S Quinn (Sheff Utd), Long (Reading).
