Soccer: Murphy wins recall to Ireland Under-21 squad

Tranmere keeper Joe Murphy has been recalled to the Republic of Ireland Under-21 squad for their European Championship qualifier with Cyprus in Larnaca on March 23.

Givens had hoped to prepare for this game with a friendly against Denmark last month - but that game was postponed because of bad weather in Dublin.

Manager Don Givens has also recalled Bradford's Andy O'Brien for the match, while West Ham midfielder Shaun Byrne - who had been called up for the match against Denmark from a stand-by list - keeps his place.

The same applies to Nottingham Forest's John Thompson who takes over from the injured Brian O'Callaghan.

Omitted from the squad originally selected for that aborted Danish game are Damien Lynch (Leeds) and Liam Miller (Celtic).

Coventry midfielder Barry Quinn will again skipper the side - winning his 15th cap at Under-21 level - with Sheffield Wednesday namesake Alan Quinn likely to partner him in midfield.

Manchester United central defender John O'Shea, currently on-loan to Belgian club Royal Antwerp, is a likely starter in the centre of defence.

Sunderland's Michael Reddy, currently on loan to Second Division Swindon, is likely to win his seventh cap.