The new green wave

WITH one eye on the long-term future, Stephen Staunton has drafted five uncapped players into his first Irish squad.

With one eye on the recent past, the manager has strongly hinted that Stephen Carr could be in line for an international comeback.

The new Republic of Ireland manager also insisted that tackling Ireland’s poor away form over many years against big teams is a priority.

The new green wave features former U-21 goalkeeper and captain Wayne Henderson (Brighton), right-back and midfielder Joey O’Brien (Bolton), Spurs’ Stephen Kelly (named in one previous squad), midfielder Stephen Ireland (Man City) and, qualifying under the parentage rule, right-side midfielder Liam Lawrence (Sunderland).

Staunton said that the latter’s application for an Irish passport was on-going and would be “sorted out” before the March 1 friendly date against Sweden.

There is also, as expected, a place for the uncapped Kevin Doyle, the Reading striker who came into Brian Kerr’s squad towards the end of the World Cup qualifying campaign.

“We all know about Kevin now,” said Staunton, “he has taken the Championship by storm. He’s quick, doesn’t give away the ball, scores goals and, talking to (Reading boss) Steve Coppell, he reckons that only for him Reading wouldn’t be in the position they’re in.”

Another striker, the seven-times capped Alan Lee of Ipswich, was also in the squad up until Tuesday night, when he sustained a hamstring injury against Crewe, which means he misses out on an international recall.

There has, however, been a recall for Monaghan-born Jonathan Douglas, the Leeds midfielder who was capped twice as a substitute, against Poland and Nigeria, two years ago.

“Jonathan is one of the reasons Leeds are up there in the Championship,” said Staunton. “Himself and Liam Miller (who is also in the squad) are doing very well in the middle of the park. Jonathan’s a great age and is improving all the time.”

Staunton also suggested Newcastle full-back Stephen Carr is set to reverse his decision to quit international football - although his immediate priority will be to get back to full fitness.

Said the manager: “Stephen has a wee problem in and around the groin, and he’s still not back for Newcastle. He’s had a few problems this year and he needs to get back playing. But we’re keeping an eye on the situation and we have been in contact with him.”

Asked if Carr had expressed a desire to come back, Staunton replied, “It’s very positive.”

One Brian Kerr regular not picked for the new squad is Gary Doherty. Staunton said he had tried and failed to get the Norwich player on the phone but does plan to speak to him soon.

“There’s nothing in it,” he said. “I see Gary as a defender and I’ve put other defenders in this time but if that changes over the next two weekends, Gary is not out of my thoughts.”

Staunton also said Wolves’ Mark Kennedy, though not in the current squad, could still feature in the future.

Two players currently recovering from injury have been included in the squad. Manchester United’s John O’Shea (rib) is back in light training, although Staunton said that if his club choose to keep him out of the squad so that he can build up his fitness in training, he would have no problem.

As for Sunderland’s Stephen Elliott, out for a lengthy period with a back problem, Staunton said he had spoken to Mick McCarthy and the Black Cats boss is happy with his progress. “He’s a young lad and I want him as part of the squad anyway,” said Staunton.

While most attention was on the tyros yesterday, the manager was anxious to stress the importance of balance.

“If you’re good enough you’re old enough, it’s always been said,” he said. “But I know as well that you need experience in there. Because when things do get a bit rocky - which they will do, I’m not daft enough to think it’s going to be smooth sailing - you need the experienced pro in the dressing room to calm everything down and talk them through things, because young lads can fly off the handle too quickly. And that’s where your experienced players are vital.”

Hence the significance, for Staunton, of including a veteran like Gary Breen. “I’ve had a great chat with Gary. I’ve told him what I expect of him. I’m not saying he will or won’t play. He’s had his ups and downs at Sunderland this year but they have had their backs against the wall all season, and he’s done well. So he’s in there on merit. He’s a smashing lad to have around and a calming influence.”

Staunton also revealed yesterday that he will appoint a captain - believed to be Shay Given - and a vice captain, but won’t name them until the squad come in for the Sweden game.

“It’s not that I can’t tell you, but I want to tell them first,” he said. “I want to have a good chat with them. I want to let them know what I expect from them and that can only be done in a quiet environment.”

Staunton said he would be using the time together to acquaint his squad with what looks like being a more flexible tactical approach, particularly away from home.

“It’s not rocket science,” he said. “We’re not going to be doing anything drastic. But we’ll show them one or two ideas and try and get into their heads that we’re going to be a little bit more flexible. Flexibility in terms of formation, players, everything.

“When you look at the stats, we haven’t won a serious away game for the best part of 20 years. That’s something we have to address. We know what we can do with a 4-4-2 system but maybe we might have to tinker going away from home. Looking at the group, I think all the teams we’re going to play against play 4-4-2, so if we get an advantage by changing it away from home, we’ll use it.”