Kenny gets Kerr call-up

NICK COLGAN’S misfortune became Paddy Kenny’s opportunity yesterday as Brian Kerr called the Sheffield United shot-stopper into the Irish squad for the first time, ahead of next week’s much-anticipated friendly with Brazil.

Kenny shot into the limelight last season, playing a starring role in Neil Warnock’s side’s eventful cup runs. Since then, there has been an under-current of opinion that Kenny, 25, born in Halifax of Irish parentage, should be given his chance, particularly in light of Colgan’s recent injury and club problems.

“He is regarded among the top keepers in Division One, and I have spoken to both Neil Warnock and David Kelly at length about Paddy. They both regard him as one of the most important reasons they had such a good season last year,” said Kerr.

Goalkeeping options have narrowed considerably since Dean Kiely’s unexpected retirement. And while Graham Stack offered glimpses of his potential in Arsenal’s run to the semi-final of the Carling Cup, Kerr highlighted the importance of keepers playing regular first-team football.

“We need more experienced keepers to act as cover for Shay. There are some good younger keepers out there, like Graham Stack and Joe Murphy, but they are not getting regular first-team football,” said Kerr.

Jason McAteer is also welcomed back into the squad. The Sunderland skipper hasn’t played for Ireland since the 4-2 defeat by Russia in Moscow in September 2002. Should he play against the Brazilians, it will be his first game under Kerr.

“We haven’t had the opportunity to pick Jason because he hasn’t been able to string a succession of games together,” the manager said. “This is an opportunity for him. The right midfield position is one we have chopped and changed quite a bit and it would certainly be open for someone of Jason’s character and desire.”

While Damien Duff is named in the squad, his inclusion is at Claudio Ranieri’s discretion as the Chelsea winger is struggling with injury. If he plays in the FA Cup against Arsenal on Sunday, Kerr expects he will be available for selection.

Kerr mentioned that, with the exception of Joe Murphy and Alan Lee, the squad is playing regular first team football. This includes Gary Doherty and Clinton Morrison, who have had such disadvantages in the past.

“I have always been aware of Gary’s capabilities as a centre-half. I am just delighted to see him playing consistently at Spurs wasn’t playing regularly last year, he had problems with injuries, but in recent weeks, he has been playing quite well for Birmingham.”

Andy Reid retains his place in the squad, although Paul Hart’s sacking at the weekend has left Irish supporters more saddened that his proposed move to Spurs fell through. “Andy’s time will come. He has been consistently good for Forest.”

All in all, no major surprises for the most enticing fixture in Lansdowne Road in years. And though he hardly needed to, Kerr was happy to hype the event. “Looking at the list of names they are bringing over, I think Rivaldo is the only notable absentee. And of course, it will be great experience for the France game. They are the two best teams in the world, play a similar style of attacking football. The team will be playing a different type of game when they play the likes of Brazil.”