Post by Taxigirl on Feb 9, 2004 16:41:03 GMT
Sheffield United goalkeeper Paddy Kenny has won his first call-up to the Republic of Ireland squad for this month's glamour friendly with Brazil.
Brian Kerr's men host the World Champions at Lansdowne Road on February 18 as part of their preparation for their World Cup qualifiers.
Kenny has been rewarded with a call-up after an impressive last few seasons with Sheffield United.
The 25-year-old, who qualifies for Ireland through his parents, comes into the squad in place of Nick Colgan, who has just returned to action after injury.
Sunderland midfielder Jason McAteer makes a welcome return to the squad after over a year out of the picture through injury.
McAteer has not featured for Ireland since September 2002 after a series of injuries, but he has been in impressive form of late for Sunderland.
Kerr is unable to call upon midfield trio Liam Miller, Colin Healy and Steven Reid through injury, while Gary Breen is still fighting for fitness after a recent spell on the sidelines.
Full squad:
Given (Newcastle), Kenny (Sheffield United), Murphy (West Brom); Carr (Tottenham), Cunningham (Birmingham), Doherty (Tottenham), Dunne (Manchester City), Finnan (Liverpool), Harte (Leeds), O'Brien (Newcastle), O'Shea (Manchester United); Carsley (Everton), Delap (Southampton), Holland (Charlton), Kavanagh (Cardiff), Kilbane (Everton), McAteer (Sunderland), Reid (Nottingham Forest); Connolly (West Ham), Duff (Chelsea), Keane (Tottenham), Lee (Cardiff), Morrison (Birmingham).