Trapattoni names 24-man squad for Australia match

Republic of Ireland manager, Giovanni Trapattoni, has named a 24-man squad to face Australia in Thomond Park on Wednesday, August 12.

There is no place for veteran defender Steve Finnan, originally from Janesboro in Limerick City, who completed a move to Portsmouth after an unsuccessfull season at Spanish side Espanol.

Other notable absentees are Sunderland's Andy Reid, who scored for the Black Cats in a friendly against Darlington recently, and Stephen Ireland of Manchester City.

Included in the squad are Wolves duo, Kevin Foley and Kevin Doyle, while Eddie Nolan (Waterford), Liam Miller (Cork), Shane Long (Tipperary), Stephen Hunt (Waterford) and John O’Shea (Waterford) are also named.

Trapattoni also announced that three players have been placed on stand-by for the visit of Australia: Alex Bruce, Damien Delaney and Steven Reid.

Speaking at the announcement, Giovanni Trapattoni said: "This upcoming friendly against Australia in Thomond Park in Limerick is of utmost importance to our side as it acts as our final game ahead of our World Cup qualifier against Cyprus in Nicosia in September.

"Australia, who have already qualified for the World Cup, will provide a stern test for the team as Pim Verbeek and his team have advanced through the Asian World Cup qualifiers undefeated in the final qualification phase.

"I am looking forward to playing an international friendly of this stature at the magnificent Thomond Park in Limerick. I am aware of the proud sporting culture in Limerick and I am sure that the people of Munster will get behind the team for this game."

Tickets for the Republic of Ireland friendly against Australia are now on sale. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster and are on sale in outlets throughout Munster and Connacht.

Tickets cost for €25 (south terrace), €35 (east and west terrace) and €55 (east and west stands).

Squad:

(Goalkeepers) Given, Westwood, Murphy;

(Defenders) O'Shea, Foley, Dunne, Kelly, Kilbane, Nolan, St. Ledger;

(Midfielders) McGeady, Duff, Gibson, Whelan, Andrews, Miller, Hunt, Keogh, Lawrence;

(Forwards) Folan, Doyle, Keane, Long, Best