Staunton to select a blend of old and new

STEVE STAUNTON will announce his first Republic of Ireland squad in Dublin this morning, as preparations intensify for the friendly against Sweden at Lansdowne Road on March 1 - Staunton’s debut as international team manager.

Staunton flew into Dublin last night after watching the Irish U21 team draw 1-1 with hosts Madeira in the first game of an invitational tournament on Tuesday. Missing from manager Don Givens’ side was Manchester City’s rising star Stephen Ireland, who pulled out of the trip with a groin strain. However, assuming the injury is not too serious, Cobh-born Ireland can expect his first senior call-up, as perhaps can fellow young midfielder Joey O’Brien of Bolton Wanderers.

Looking to blend old and new for his first game in charge, Staunton could opt for an enlarged squad with a view not only to experimenting in the Swedish match itself but also as a way of acquainting his charges with the new Irish management team in what will be their first sustained period of time together.