World Cup: Colgan given place for friendly

Hibernian keeper Nicky Colgan has been given a chance to stake his claim for a World Cup place by Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy.

McCarthy has named the 27-year-old in his squad for Ireland’s friendly with Denmark at Lansdowne Road on March 27.

Colgan has been given his opportunity with Blackburn’s Alan Kelly ruled out with a knee injury. He is one of three stoppers in the party along with Newcastle’s Shay Given and Dean Kiely of Charlton.

McCarthy said: ‘‘Nicky knows that he is currently fourth in the goalkeeper pecking order.

‘‘But if anything should happen to my top three men Given, Kiely and Kelly, Nicky would be on the flight to Tokyo in May.’’

Ruled out again by long-term injuries are Tottenham pair of Stephen Carr and Gary Doherty.

But McCarthy is keen to keep the door open for Carr as he looks to make a comeback before the end of the season.

‘‘Stephen Carr would always be in my first-choice panel, and we will give him every chance to prove his fitness,’’ he said.