STEVE KEAN praised the Blackburn fans for getting behind their team at Ewood Park yesterday and felt they should have been rewarded with at least a point against Stoke.

Sheffield United goalkeeper Paddy Kenny has been called into the Republic of Ireland squad for the first time for the friendly clash with Brazil on February 18 at Lansdowne Road.

Republic of Ireland boss Mick McCarthy was giving few hints today on his possible 23-man squad for the World Cup finals in Japan and South Korea this summer.