Ireland and Reid absent from squad for Georgia tie

Giovanni Trapattoni has named a 25-man squad for Ireland's World Cup qualifier against Georgia at Croke Park next month.

Despite much speculation in recent days, Stephen Ireland is again absent from the squad, continuing his international exile.

The fact that the panel is being announced so early had prompted rumours of a possible Ireland return.

Assistant manager Liam Brady however reiterated that it is up to the player to say if he wants to return to the international fold.

Speaking at the press conference to announce the squad, Brady said both sides have agreed that the Manchester City star will make contact when he wants to return.

Elsewhere, Andy Reid has also been left out of the side, but a return was considered unlikely as he has fallen out of favour at his club, Sunderland.

Following the announcement of the squad Trappattoni said: "This will be the first match of a very important year ahead in our challenge to qualify for the 2010 World Cup. Georgia are strong opposition but we believe in ourselves as a team and I look forward to our fans’ help to give us a home advantage throughout the 90 minutes.”

Full squad:

Shay Given, Dean Kiely, Keiren Westwood, Alex Bruce, Damien Delaney, John O'Shea, Kevin Foley, Paul McShane, Richard Dunne, Stephen Kelly, Steve Finnan, Kevin Kilbane, Aiden McGeady, Damien Duff, Darron Gibson, Glenn Whelan, Keith Andrews, Liam Miller, Stephen Hunt, Andy Keogh, Caleb Folan, Kevin Doyle, Robbie Keane, Shane Long, Noel Hunt.