Post by Salem6 on Feb 16, 2004 19:19:53 GMT
Republic of Ireland boss Brian Kerr has handed Arsenal keeper Graham Stack his first international call up ahead of the prestigious friendly with Brazil.
Stack: Irish call
With Sheffield United shot-stopper Paddy Kenny already in the squad, it means two new goalkeeping faces for the Irish boss with West Brom's Joe Murphy pulling out of the Dublin game with a back injury.
Newcastle United's reliable Shay Given is the undisputed number one but Kerr has praised Gunners rookie Stack.
"It's disappointing for young Murphy and he will probably be ready to play for West Brom at the weekend," he explained. "But, in the circumstances, I thought it advisable to draft in Stack as a last-minute replacement.
"Stack has done very well when coming through with our Under-21 squad under Don Givens.
"He has had a good year and is a very talented keeper.
"I have spoken to former Irish keeper Gerry Peyton, the goalkeeping coach at Arsenal, who is full of praise and believes the player has a chance of making it through to the first team rather than just playing in Carling Cup games."
www.skysports.com/skysports/article/0,,40-1123620,00.html
Stack: Irish call
With Sheffield United shot-stopper Paddy Kenny already in the squad, it means two new goalkeeping faces for the Irish boss with West Brom's Joe Murphy pulling out of the Dublin game with a back injury.
Newcastle United's reliable Shay Given is the undisputed number one but Kerr has praised Gunners rookie Stack.
"It's disappointing for young Murphy and he will probably be ready to play for West Brom at the weekend," he explained. "But, in the circumstances, I thought it advisable to draft in Stack as a last-minute replacement.
"Stack has done very well when coming through with our Under-21 squad under Don Givens.
"He has had a good year and is a very talented keeper.
"I have spoken to former Irish keeper Gerry Peyton, the goalkeeping coach at Arsenal, who is full of praise and believes the player has a chance of making it through to the first team rather than just playing in Carling Cup games."
www.skysports.com/skysports/article/0,,40-1123620,00.html