Staunton set to name young guns in squad for America tour
Staunton’s side have a game against Ecuador at the Giants Stadium in New Jersey on May 23 and three days later they play Bolivia in Boston.
Birmingham City goalkeeper Colin Doyle, Sheffield United defender Derek Geary, Ipswich central defender Alex Bruce, Sunderland striker Daryl Murphy and Wigan hitman Caleb Folan are all in contention to land their first caps.
“I have always said that these two games give me an opportunity to give young players experience at this level. I had to wait until the make-up of the English Championship semi-final play-offs were sorted out before naming the squad,” said Staunton.
Ruled out by injuries are Damien Duff, Shay Given, Steven Reid, Andy Reid, Joey O’Brien, Kevin Foley, Jonathan Douglas and Ian Harte.
Doubt surrounds the availability of skipper Robbie Keane and fellow striker Kevin Doyle, with Spurs and Reading chiefs indicating that a lengthy summer break might be best for their players after injuries earlier in the season.
The Celtic pair of Aiden McGeady and Darren O’Dea had earlier withdrawn because of their involvement in the Scottish Cup final against Dunfermline Athletic at Hampden Park on May 26.
Liverpool’s Steve Finnan is also ruled out with that big Champions League final against AC Milan in Athens on May 23. It is also expected that Manchester United’s John O’Shea will not be asked to travel because of the English Cup final against Chelsea at Wembley on May 19 — the day after the Irish squad fly out to New York.
With Wolves and West Brom meeting in the Championship semi-final play-offs there must be doubts about the availability of Andy Keogh, Stephen Ward and Paul McShane.
But Staunton could leave places open for the late inclusion of at least one of those players and the possibility of adding American-based MSL players Ronnie O’Brien (Toronto) and Brian Byrne (New England Revolution).
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