IRELAND CARETAKER BOSS Noel King has named his provisional 25-man squad for the World cup qualifiers against Germany and Kazakhstan.
And the new boss has drafted in familiar faces in Andy Reid of Nottingham Forest, Wolves striker Kevin Doyle, Darron Gibson of Everton and Celtic forward Anthony Stokes.
There’s no room for Simon Cox and Conor Sammon however, two staples of Giovanni Trapattoni’s recent squads while King has indicated he discussed a comeback with Stephen Ireland but the time isn’t quite right for the player, who’s settling into life at Stoke.
Damien Delaney will feel disappointed not to make the cut ahead of Paul McShane perhaps after the Corkman’s solid start to the Premier League season with Crystal Palace.
Richard Dunne and John O’Shea are suspended for the Germany game, but will join up with the squad in Dublin for the Kazakhstan fixture.
“I think everybody knows how happy I am to be involved for the two games,” King said. “I hope that after the two games I’m still as happy.
“Of course it was (a difficult squad to pick) because my focus was on the U21s and getting everything ready for the remaining games.
We had a week to get it out, it’s difficult and I did rely on scouts, friends and people who I trust. I put it together and I’m quite happy with what I got there.
“I just went with the logic that the best players suited to try and win both of the two games coming up (should be included). That’s a big task but having thought about it, I think we’ll be capable of doing that.”
Full squad: Forde, Westwood, Randolph; O’Brien, McShane, St Ledger, Wilson, Coleman, Kelly, Clark; Gibson, Whelan, McCarthy, Green, A Reid, McGeady, Pilkington, McClean, Brady, Quinn, Hoolahan; Long Keane, Walters, Doyle, Stokes.
What do you think of the squad from Noel King?
