Given makes return for Republic

Shay Given has been named in the Republic of Ireland squad for next week’s Euro 2008 qualifying clash against San Marino in Dublin.

The Newcastle goalkeeper missed last month’s back-to-back fixtures against Cyprus and the Czech Republic because of a serious stomach injury.

But he has been named in Steve Staunton’s squad for next Wednesday’s group D match at Lansdowne Road, alongside Magpies team-mate Stephen Carr – who missed out on the last two games because of a hamstring problem.

Manchester City defender Richard Dunn returns from suspension, while Andy O’Brien (Portsmouth), Aiden McGeady (Celtic), Stephen Ireland (Manchester City), Kevin Doyle (Reading) and Sunderland’s Stephen Elliott are all in the squad after missing out on the draw with the Czechs.

Staunton said today: “It is good to have so many of the players who missed the game against the Czech Republic back.

“But the young players who played so well that night have ensured that I will have serious choices to make when it comes to selecting the team.”

The match will be Ireland’s final game at Lansdowne Road prior to their move to Croke Park – and Staunton hopes it will be a night to remember.

He added: “This will be a special game for us.

“I know our fans will generate the same fantastic atmosphere and superb support that they delivered in the last game so it should be a night to remember.”

Staunton is also looking forward to the previous night’s B international friendly against Scotland.

The Republic’s manager Pat Devlin has named a 21-man squad for that game - including Cardiff’s Stephen McPhail and Newcastle’s Alan O’Brien, who have won senior caps.

Seventeen of the squad are products of the international under-age system but Lewis Emmanuel (Luton Town), Lee Frecklington (Lincoln) and Sean St Ledger (Preston) have yet to be capped at any level for Ireland.

The B squad includes four players – Kevin Deery (Derry City), Joe Gamble and Roy O’Donovan (Cork City) and Stephen Ward (Bohemians) – from the eircom League.