Irish squad named for Finland friendly

Republic of Ireland boss Mick McCarthy has named a 25-man squad for the European Championship warm-up game against Finland in Helsinki on August 21 - but as expected there is no room for former skipper Roy Keane.

The Manchester United player had earlier stated his desire to play for Ireland again but only under a change of management.

McCarthy and Keane had that infamous bust-up on the Pacific island of Saipan just prior to the World Cup finals with the player sent home in disgrace.

With one eye on the forthcoming European Championship tie with Russia on September 7, McCarthy has selected six players who did not figure in the finals in South Korea and Japan last June.

They are Hibernian goalkeeper Nicky Colgan, Tottenham defender Stephen Carr, Celtic midfielder Colin Healy, Southampton utility man Rory Delap, Leeds midfielder Stephen McPhail and Tottenham defender Gary Doherty.

"With Niall Quinn, Alan Kelly and Steve Staunton all having retired from international football after the World Cup finals, this is an opportunity for some of the younger players to show that they are ready to stake their claims for international recognition," said McCarthy.

The Irish boss is particularly pleased to welcome back Carr, who missed the whole of last season for Spurs as well as the World Cup finals because of two knee operations.

His White Hart Lane team-mate Gary Doherty is also back after injury and while aware of his versatility, McCarthy sees the player essentially operating in a defensive role.

Wolves winger Mark Kennedy and Wimbledon striker David Connolly were not considered because of injuries.

McCarthy has not yet named a captain, but the main contenders seem to be new Birmingham City signing Kenny Cunningham or West Ham’s Gary Breen.