Delaney gets first senior call-up from Kerr

PORT VALE goalkeeper Dean Delaney was yesterday called into the Irish senior international squad for the first time by manager Brian Kerr.

Delaney helped Ireland win the bronze medal in the European U-19 championship finals in Sweden in 1999. His elevation to a place in the senior squad followed the withdrawal of Joe Murphy of West Brom who withdrew because of an ankle injury.

Manager Kerr will bring the Irish squad together in Dublin today for a week’s training ahead of the European Championship matches against Albania, on Saturday, June 7, and Georgia, on June 11.

This week’s activities will be geared to helping players maintain their levels of fitness after the close of the club season in England. They will also allow Kerr and his team of coaches to develop the tactical approach that will be used in the important championship matches, both of which will be played in Dublin.

Kerr yesterday learned that he will be without three others in addition to Murphy, who picked up his injury in training.

Steve Finnan (Fulham) is suffering from a pelvic problem that may well keep him out of the championship matches, Andy O’Brien (Newcastle United) is recovering from an operation to correct a broken nose and Steven Reid (Millwall) is continuing to receive injury treatment at his club.

Reid, who was on World Cup duties 12 months ago, has not been able to play for Ireland since because of injuries. Hopes are high that he will be fit for the upcoming matches and he will travel to Dublin later this week.