MARTIN O’NEILL HAS named a 27-man Ireland squad for their first home Euro 2016 qualifier against Gibraltar in Dublin on Saturday, 11th October.
Everton midfielder James McCarthy is the most notable absentee, having suffered problems with his quad muscles in recent times. However, his clubmate Seamus Coleman is involved despite recent concussion and soft tissue issues.
Twice-capped Newcastle goalkeeper Rob Elliot is included as part of a four-strong group of shot stoppers that also features veteran Shay Given, David Forde and Kieran Westwood.
Reading’s Alex Pearce, Derby’s Jeff Hendrick, Anthony Pilkington of Cardiff and Celtic’s Anthony Stokes are among the players with the least international experience in O’Neill’s squad, but the Ireland manager has largely gone for the tried and trusted.
There are no uncapped players in the 27-man group, as Robbie Keane looks set to attempt to add to this haul of 62 goals, the highest total of any player still active in international football.
Ireland squad to face Gibraltar:
David Forde (Millwall)
Shay Given (Aston Villa)
Keiren Westwood (Sheffield Wednesday)
Rob Elliot (Newcastle United)
Richard Keogh (Derby County)
Marc Wilson (Stoke City)
Seamus Coleman (Everton)
John O’Shea (Sunderland)
Alex Pearce (Reading)
Ciaran Clark (Aston Villa)
Stephen Ward (Burnley)
Jeff Hendrick (Derby County)
Glenn Whelan (Stoke City)
Darron Gibson (Everton)
Aiden McGeady (Everton)
Jon Walters (Stoke City)
Anthony Pilkington (Cardiff City)
James McClean (Wigan)
Robbie Brady (Hull City)
Stephen Quinn (Hull City)
David Meyler (Hull City)
Wes Hoolahan (Norwich City)
Robbie Keane (LA Galaxy)
Shane Long (Southampton)
Daryl Murphy (Ipswich Town)
Kevin Doyle (Crystal Palace)
Anthony Stokes (Celtic)
Absolute legend and a top bloke! Arguably the best skier ever!