Flannery and Reddan in Irish squad

Ireland Coach Eddie O'Sullivan has announced his squad of 22 for Ireland's opening 2006 RBS Six Nations game against Italy on Saturday, February 4.

There is one uncapped player in the squad in the shape of Wasps scrumhalf Eoin Reddan.

Munster hooker Jerry Flannery has also been included in the squad and will be challenged by Ulster's Rory Best for the starting hooker's position.

Another Munster player to make the 22 is David Wallace, who last started a game for Ireland in the second test against Japan during the summer tour in June 2005.

Coach Eddie O'Sullivan said: "There were some very hard calls made to reduce the squad to our match 22, but as always we have gone with the players in form at this time".

He continued: "With the performances of the provinces in European competition last weekend, there is certainly a good positive feeling in the camp, but the players and staff are well aware of the challenge that Italy will represent next weekend. The game is certainly going to be a tough opening test as it was last year".

The 22 man squad is as follows:

Forwards (12): Rory Best, Simon Best, Simon Easterby, Jerry Flannery, John Hayes, Marcus Horan, Denis Leamy, Donncha O'Callaghan, Paul O'Connell, Johnny O'Connor, Malcolm O'Kelly, David Wallace

Backs (10): Tommy Bowe, Gordon D'Arcy, Shane Horgan, David Humphreys, Geordan Murphy, Brian O'Driscoll, Ronan O'Gara, Eoin Reddan, Peter Stringer, Andrew Trimble