Kerr brings back big guns

Liam Mackey

The 27-man panel named by Brian Kerr yesterday also features Birmingham City striker Clinton Morrison for the first time since the Birmingham City striker was injured in the World Cup qualifier against France.

Stephen Carr, Andy O'Brien, Matt Holland, Andy Reid and Jonathan Macken, who all missed the friendly against Croatia through injury, are also back for what will be Ireland's last warm-up game before World Cup trip to Israel in March.

Kerr said he wasn't aware of any problems concerning the release of players at what is a busy time of the season.

"With Roy, we're aware of the demands on him at club level as we are of other players of that ilk, although he's obviously in a different position with the number of injuries he's had in the past. But I think he's like everybody else in that they're all anxious to be in for what is a top-class match against great opposition, that's coming up close to World Cup time again."

Given its proximity to the March 26 game in Israel, Kerr suggested that this was the kind of friendly in which preparation would take precedence over experimentation.

"I think it's more important that we use it towards getting people back into the groove rather than too much experimentation. But the squad is well-balanced between established internationals and young players who haven't had much experience the likes of Stephen Elliott and Aiden McGeady and I've brought in Joe Murphy this time as well so that I think there's a good balance between what we want to achieve in the future and what are needed in terms of results in the short term. There are also players who are not in but who could be and who I have not dismissed in any way. They'll have other chances in the year ahead. It will be a long year and a big year."

The appearance of Newcastle's Stephen Carr in the squad is another sign that concerns about the full-back's injury woes have been overstated not least by his club manager, Graeme Souness.

Said Kerr: "I was a little bit surprised at some of the reports that he might be out for the rest of the season because I've been talking to Stephen fairly regularly and he was always hopeful that he'd back soon. I'm delighted for him and glad for us."

Speaking on the day the transfer window was set to close, Kerr revealed that three clubs other than Spurs and Southampton had been in contact with him about Nottingham Forest's much sought-after midfielder Andy Reid.

"I think the thing that has to be admired about Andy is that his performances have been consistently good for Nottingham Forest which is why he got a standing ovation when he went off on Saturday," said Kerr, even as Spurs were tabling a new late bid for the player.

"I also saw him when Forest played Sunderland in December and, in my opinion, he and Stephen Elliott were the best players on the pitch. Andy is in very good nick, he's trimmer than he's ever looked and he's been a consistent performer for them. And he's got plenty of time ahead of him."

Contrasting what he expects from the friendly against Portugal and the World Cup match in Israel, Kerr conceded that the two sides play in very different ways.

"They'll be different types of matches altogether but I think it's a good match for us to have," he said. "In some ways, I think I would have preferred if we'd played away in terms of preparation for Israel but playing Portugal at home is a very good option. It makes for a very exciting match.

In their last competitive game they beat Russia 7-1 and they were frighteningly good. They have a brilliant approach to the game. We had Brazil here last year if we weren't to get Brazil again, Portugal are the next best to get. Israel, who are going well, will be a different kettle of fish again. But this match is good preparation for any type of game because of the skill of the Portuguese team."

If he plays, the game will mark Damien Duff's 50th cap.