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)
If his goal really is to win another champions league (that’s obviously not going to happen at United in what’s left of his career) then what genuine competitor for the tournament could afford him and more importantly actually want him?
@Gareth Keenan: i think he just wants to keep playing in the champions league, not necessarily win it again. Maybe he should consider an immediate loan spell with Rovers and help us push through to the group stages of it.
@Kevin: there’s a thought!
@Kevin: that would be some story, I can see it now…
Big Cristiano fan throughout the years but surely even he must recognise that the equation probably won’t add up the way he wants it too.
Big money + competitive champions league team + automatic starter in every game.is not realistic in my view.
He could probably find some good situations where he can get 2 of the 3.
Will be interested too see what happens. As a utd fan too I think that he might have to find a bit more humility I’d he is to stay relevant in ETH’s plans. Still great on his day.
Even with this Dr Evil demand level of money, with his level of skill even at this stage in his career the Saudi League would be like if he rocked up to an adults five a side match in the park on a Sunday. He’d be richer than rich but no way would he be satisfied professionally
Wants to leave but doesn’t want to go to any club who wants him
He Doesn’t need the money. Surprised someone like PSG didn’t go for him.