Staunton calls up young stars

Republic of Ireland manager Steve Staunton has promoted seven of Ireland’s promising young footballers to the senior squad for the trip to San Marino on February 7.

Darren Randolph comes in to cover the goalkeeping spot vacated by the injured Shay Given (groin). Out also through injury is Charlton midfielder Andy Reid (hamstring) and Reading’s Kevin Doyle (hamstring).

Randolph, Darron Gibson, Wolves new signing Andy Keogh, Stephen Hunt and Sunderland’s Anthony Stokes were all part of the recent B International Squad who played Scotland in November while Sheffield United’s Stephen Quinn and Shane Long have been rewarded for recent club performances.

Returning after lengthy absences through injury are Levante’s Ian Harte and Stephen Carr.

Speaking at the announcement manager Staunton said, “I knew when I took the job that there were young players with the potential to play senior international football and I’m delighted that over the last year they have progressed to the point where I now can select them.”

“It is up to them now to show me that they should be in the starting eleven.”

San Marino (V IRELAND): Wayne Henderson, Nicky Colgan, Darren Randolph, Steve Finnan, Ian Harte, Paul McShane, Richard Dunne, Stephen Carr, John O’Shea, Jonathan Douglas, Lee Carsley, Aiden McGeady, Damien Duff, Kevin Kilbane, Robbie Keane, Stephen Ireland, Darron Gibson, Alan Quinn, Andy Keogh, Stephen Hunt, Anthony Stokes, Stephen Elliott, Stephen Quinn, Shane Long.