International soccer: Mick gives youth a chance

Mick McCarthy used his 60th game in charge of the Republic of Ireland to give three players the chance to stake a late claim for a place in his World Cup squad.

Newcastle defender Andy O’Brien, and midfield duo Rory Delap of Southampton and Celtic’s Colin Healy were hoping to impress on a rain-soaked Lansdowne Road pitch.

The Americans, ranked five places above the Irish in the FIFA world rankings, named a team which included three players who are based in England’s Premier League - their captain Claudio Reyna, the Sunderland midfielder, Blackburn goalkeeper Brad Friedel, and Everton striker Joe-Max Moore.

Rep of Ireland: Given, Finnan, O’Brien, Breen, Harte, Delap, Kinsella, Healy, Kilbane, Duff, Robbie Keane.

Subs: Cunningham, Connolly, Gary Kelly, Holland, Staunton, Doherty, Morrison, Reid, Kiely.

USA: Friedel, Hejduk, Berhalter, Vanney, O’Brien, Lewis, Earnest Stewart, Moore, Reyna, Mathis, Agoos.

Subs: Armas, Wolff, McBride, Donovan, Sanneh, Pope, Keller.

Referee: P Lueba (Switzerland )