Staunton to name squad for friendly ties in America

Stephen Staunton is due to name his squad today for the Republic of Ireland's American tour at the end of this month.

Staunton's men are due to take on Ecuador in New York on May 23rd before travelling to Boston to face Bolivia three days later.

The squad for the friendly tour is expected to be one of the most inexperienced in Irish history, with a string of top stars set to miss the trip.

Shay Given, Damien Duff and Steve Finnan have already been ruled out, while there is speculation that Robbie Keane, Richard Dunn, Steven Carr and John O'Shea will also be absent.