Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni has announced a 29-man squad for the upcoming Carling Nations Cup clash with Wales.
Included in the squad is Aston Villa defender Ciaran Clark, who will report for duty for the first time having been ruled out of the Norway friendly due to injury. The squad will meet up on Sunday February 6 and will prepare for their first game of 2011 against Wales in the Aviva Stadium two days later.
Celtic striker Anthony Stokes has also been included after some excellent displays for the Hoops of late, while Leon Best has also been given the nod after impressing for Newcastle in the absence of leading man Andy Carroll.
Commenting on the announcement of the squad, Giovanni Trapattoni said: “I am looking forward to the opening game of the Carling Nations Cup against Wales. This competition provides our players with familiar and tough opponents and the added competitive edge to the tournament is the perfect preparation for our European Championship qualifying campaign. “
Ireland squad: Shay Given, Kieren Westwood, John O’Shea, Ciaran Clark, Seamus Coleman, Richard Dunne, Sean St. Ledger, Kevin Foley, Kevin Kilbane, Stephen Kelly, Darren O’Dea, Paul McShane, Marc Wilson, Darron Gibson, Glenn Whelan, Paul Green, Liam Lawrence, Stephen Hunt, Aiden McGeady, Damien Duff, Keith Treacy, Keith Fahey, Robbie Keane, Jonathan Walters, Kevin Doyle, Shane Long, Andy Keogh, Leon Best, Anthony Stokes.
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