Kerr calls up three new players to plug gaps left by withdrawals

IRELAND manager Brian Kerr called up three new players yesterday to plug some of the gaps left by the withdrawal of seven of his original squad for Wednesday's friendly international against Poland.

Jonathan Douglas, who is a central or left-sided midfield player, and Steven Reid, who is also a wide midfielder, both of Blackburn Rovers, joined the Irish squad in Dublin yesterday.

Kerr also put in a call to Sheffield Wednesday for Alan Quinn after Damien Duff and the Sunderland pair of Jason McAteer and Gary Breen, withdrew yesterday.

Kerr had his original selection weakened by the withdrawal of goalkeeper Paddy Kenny (Sheffield United), Stephen Carr (Tottenham Hotspur), Rory Delap (Southampton) and Kevin Kilbane (Everton).

Duff was kept out of Chelsea's team at Newcastle yesterday because of illness, and his withdrawal came as no surprise.

Sunderland pair, Jason McAteer and Gary Breen played for the 90 minutes in the scoreless draw away to Wigan on Saturday, but with Sunderland battling for promotion, they opted out because McAteer has a hamstring injury and Breen a knee problem.

Roy Keane will head to Poland with the squad despite the reservations of Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson.

In the wake of Saturday's 1-0 home defeat to Liverpool, Ferguson cast doubt on his captain's ability to make the trip to Bydgoszcz.

He said he would talk to Keane before confirming he would head to Dublin to link up with Brian Kerr's squad today.

"I am going to have to chat to him," said Ferguson.

"Roy knows he can only go if he is 100% fit and only he can tell me if he is 100% fit." However, any thought Ferguson may have had of talking Keane out of an immediate return to the international scene was quickly repelled when it was confirmed that the 32-year-old would be resurrecting an Ireland career that came to such a controversial end in Saipan two years ago.

The outcome of the brief conversation is sure to fuel rumours of a rift between Ferguson and the Cork-born player.

This speculation will not have been helped by reports that the captain's armband will be handed to Rio Ferdinand when the England man completes his eight-month ban in September.

Meanwhile, a press conference to announce details of Keane's selection to play Cobh Ramblers in July was postponed on Saturday night until full details are finalised.

The club, who were due to announce their plans at St Colman's Park, Cobh, on Saturday evening aim to complete their planning in a fortnight.