Hoolahan retained for Under-21 friendly

Manager Don Givens has retained Shelbourne's Wesley Hoolahan in his squad of eighteen for the Republic of Ireland's Under-21 friendly match against Scotland next Tuesday.

Hoolahan made his Under-21 international debut against Finland in the friendly in Helsinki in August of last year and was also involved in the squads for the two Euro 2004 Championship qualifiers against Russia in Moscow.

Two of Brian Kerr's Under-20s, who were members of the squad that won the pre-World Youth Finals four-nation tournament in the United Arab Emirates last week, receive a call-up.

These are Stephen Brennan (Newcastle United) and Stephen Paisley (Manchester City).

Also given the call again is Noel Hunt who was recently transferred from Shamrock Rovers to Scottish club Dunfermline.