Staunton casts net for Irish squad
BY GRAHAM CLIFFORD
Republic of Ireland manager Steve Staunton has announced his 29-man squad
for the upcoming training camp in Portugal and friendly against Chile.
Newcastle United’s Stephen Carr was not included despite agreeing
to reverse his international retirement decision but sources close to
the Irish management team believe the Dubliner will be included in future
squads.
Intriguingly Staunton has decided to draft in 17-year-old Terry Dixon
of Tottenham Hotspur.
The youngster caught the manager’s eye during the recent under-17
Championships.
In total Tottenham have four players in the Irish squad with captain Robbie
Keane as well as Stephen Kelly and Andy Reid travelling to Portugal.
Shelbourne striker Jason Byrne also returns to the squad after winning
his first and last cap against Poland in 2004. Byrne, who is a cousin
of Robbie Keane, has been lethal at club level and came close to a big
money move to Norway at the start of the season.
As he attempts to win the confidence of his players and instill in them
his plans for the future of the international side Staunton said he was
looking forward to getting the players away as a unit.
He said: “The warm climate will be of benefit to us as well, but
those named are delighted to be involved and buzzing.
“The most rewarding thing is there's a game at the end of it all
and the entire squad will attend.”
Ireland will play Chile on Wednesday, May 24 in a friendly and Staunton
hopes his 100 per cent record as Irish manager will continue. |
