Carr, Finnan and O'Brien back in Ireland squad

The Republic of Ireland squad to face Germany in Cyprus has been announced.

Steven Carr, Steve Finnan, Alan O'Brien and Darren Potter, all of whom missed the double-header in Eastern Europe, return for the upcoming Euro qualifiers at Croke Park.

Also back in is Bolton's Joey O'Brien, who missed all of last season due to injury, and whose only cap to date came in Steve Staunton's first game in charge against Sweden more than 18 months ago.

“Joey is a player that has a lot of potential and I am delighted that he has put his injury problems behind him,” said Staunton. “He will be a valuable addition to the squad.”

Despite both being suspended for the Germany game, Sunderland's Paul McShane and Reading's Steven Hunt are included and may feature against Cyprus.

Republic of Ireland squad for Euro 2008 qualifiers against Germany and Cyprus:

Colgan (Barnsley), C Doyle (Birmingham), Given (Newcastle), Carr (Newcastle), Dunne (Man City), Finnan (Liverpool), Kelly (Birmingham), McShane (Sunderland), J O’Brien (Bolton), O’Shea (Man Utd), Carsley (Everton), Douglas (Leeds), Hunt (Reading), Ireland (Man City), Kilbane (Wigan), McGeady (Celtic), A O’Brien (Hibernian), Potter (Wolves), Reid (Charlton), K Doyle (Reading), Elliott (Wolves), Keane (Tottenham), Keogh (Wolves), Long (Reading), Murphy (Sunderland).