So then, a new dawn for Irish football and new faces to go with it. Manager Steve Staunton includes a sextet of uncapped players in his first Republic of Ireland squad for the upcoming international friendly against Sweden at Lansdowne Road on March 1st.

Into the squad come Brighton goalkeeper Wayne Henderson, Bolton's versatile defender-cum-midfielder Joey O'Brien, Liam Lawrence of Sunderland, Tottenham's Stephen Kelly, striker Kevin Doyle of Reading and, as expected, Manchester City starlet Stephen Ireland.

"We're strong at underage level so it depended on who caught the eye," says Staunton, who has yet to select a new captain following Kenny Cunningham's retirement.  "I've just gone with who I know for now. I wouldn't have them in the squad if they weren't in my thoughts for playing.

"This has been coming for a while now and I feel we have a right good blend of youth and experience."

Ireland's inclusion was expected after his withdrawal from Don Givens's under-21 squad for the Madeira Tournament. Many observers feel the 19-year-old is overdue a call, given his form in the Premiership this season, but a falling out with previous boss Brian Kerr had effectively kept the youngster in the international wilderness.

"He's done well for Manchester City this season and has held his own in a team that is playing well" says Staunton. "I have absolutely no fears or qualms about playing him at this level."

Doyle's progression since leaving Cork City for the Championship has been eye-catching and there is no surprise the Wexford man finds himself among the 23.  It is not, however, his first time in the senior set up as he was an unused member of Brian Kerr's squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Cyprus and Switzerland late last year.

Staunton has kept a close eye on the 22-year-old since his appointment and concurs with Reading boss Steve Coppell that the striker's red-hot form - 12 goals to date this campaign - is a leading factor behind the club's rise to prominence.

"He's been watched for some time now and he's quick, holds onto the ball and doesn't give it away too often," says Staunton.  "He'll also score a goal and we all like what we've seen of him."

There's no room for Gary Doherty, though, as Staunton believes he has sufficient cover in defence despite Cunningham's retirement and injury to John O'Shea, who makes the 23 nevertheless.

"I tried phoning Gary but couldn't get through to him which was a pity but I'll get speaking to him. I see Gary as a defender and we have plenty in that position.  He is not out of my thoughts though and you never know what could happen injury-wise between now and the game."

Stephen Carr, it appears, has indicated he is prepared to make a volte-face on his recent retirement.  When quizzed on the Newcastle defender's position, Staunton said there were "very positive" signs the player - currently sidelined with a groin injury - would return to the international stage.

In the meantime, both O'Brien and Kelly will vie for defensive positions.  Injury and suspension has afforded Kelly an extended run in the Tottenham team while O'Brien continues to go from strength to strength with Bolton.

"Sam (Allardyce, the Bolton manager) feels Joey is ready for it and on the evidence I've seen I'd agree," says Staunton, "both as a right back and midfielder.  He's starting to learn the game properly."

Staunton also singled out midfielder Lawrence's swift rise from slugging it out in the lower division with Mansfield to imposing himself at Sunderland.  The 24-year-old, who qualifies through his Irish grandmother, is thrilled with the call-up.

Lawrence said: "I'm delighted and very proud to be called up to play international football, it's every player's dream.  It's an honour to be in the Ireland squad."

O'Shea returned to training with Manchester United yesterday following a spell out with rib trouble while Stephen Elliott is also back jogging having not played since November due to a back injury.  He is set to play for Sunderland's reserves next week and Staunton is hopeful both players can prove their fitness.

Lee Trundle, the Swansea striker who recently issued a 'come-and-get-me' plea to the new manager, also misses out.  Stauton, though, will continue to monitor the player’s progress but hinted that a move to a bigger club could improve his chances.

Aiden McGeady, Andy Reid and Alan Lee were not considered  because of injury while Wigan striker David Connolly, Barnsley goalkeeper Nick Colgan and Doherty of Norwich City have been dropped. Cunningham, Matt Holland and Roy Keane have, of course, retired from the international game.

Republic of Ireland squad v Sweden
(clubs and senior caps in brackets)

Goalkeepers: Shay Given (Newcatle 74), Paddy Kenny (Sheffield United 5), Wayne Henderson (Brighton 0)

Defenders: Gary Breen (Sunderland 61), Andy O'Brien (Portsmouth 22), Richard Dunne (Manchester City 27), Joey O'Brien (Bolton 0), Ian Harte (Levante 61), Steve Finnan (Liverpool 38), Stephen Kelly (Tottenham 0), John O'Shea (Manchester United 28).

Midfielders: Liam Lawrence (Sunderland 0), Steven Reid (Blackburn 16), Graham Kavanagh (Wigan 13), Jonathan Douglas (Leeds 2), Stephen Ireland (Manchester City 0), Liam Miller (Leeds 10), Kevin Kilbane (Everton 68), Damien Duff (Chelsea 57).

Strikers: Stephen Elliot (Sunderland 6), Kevin Doyle (Reading 0), Robbie Keane (Tottenham 64), Clinton Morrison (Crystal Palace 33)