It
seems that youth is the key for Steve Staunton as he has named
a number of youngsters in the senior squad ahead of the Euro 2008
qualifier against San Marino in Serravalle, the capital of the
tiny country.
Ireland face a crucial run of games during 2007 to see if they can
make the finals after the poor start to the campaign has seen them
struggling to keep apace with the likes of Germany and the Czech Republic
who take up the top two spots in the group, with Ireland languishing
in fifth spot.
After an adventurous year in charge of Ireland, manager Steve Staunton
takes his team of young and experienced professionals to San Marino
to aim to secure victory and to get some much-needed points on the
board.
Staunton gives a number of call-ups to many fringe players who have
been rewarded for some excellent club performances in recent months.
Darren Randolph of Charlton comes in to cover the goalkeeping spot
vacated by the injured Shay Given (groin) and Paddy Kenny, who has
asked not to be considered for international selection for the foreseeable
future as he tries to deal with family problems.
Also in the squad are Darron Gibson (Royal Antwerp), Wolves new signing
Andy Keogh, Stephen Hunt (Reading) and Sunderland’s Anthony Stokes
were all part of the recent B International Squad who played Scotland
in November while Sheffield United’s Stephen Quinn and Shane
Long (Reading) are called up in recognition of their performances in
the Premiership this season.
Returning after long absences through injury are Levante’s Ian
Harte and Stephen Carr of Newcastle United. Meanwhile, out through
injury are Charlton midfielder Andy Reid and Reading’s Kevin
Doyle both with hamstring problems.
Speaking at the squad announcement, Staunton said it was important
to introduce the pick of Ireland’s under-age squads to enhance
their prospects of figuring in Ireland’s future by becoming acquainted
with the senior international scene.
“I knew when I took the job that there were young players with
the potential to play senior international football and I’m delighted
that over the last year they have progressed to the point where I now
can select them. It is up to them now to show me that they should be
in the starting eleven.
“I knew taking this job that there would be a transition and
we’ve been working hard behind scenes for 12 months scouting
players in England, Scotland and Ireland. I have a good idea of what's
out there and what's emerging behind them.
”I’ve picked the lads that I think can step up to the mark
over the next 18 months and put pressure on those who are more regularly
in the squad.
He added: “Anyone who has been chosen is in there on merit. We’ll
have to see how they cope with the situation and this might be a little
injection to the senior players and give them a boost.
”Anthony Stokes is one that
has come to our attention. Unfortunately, he’s played only one
game since he went to Sunderland because of injury but their manager
Roy (Keane) assures me he'll be okay.
”Andy Keogh is another who has played well and scored a few goals
before his move (to Wolves) and Stephen Hunt and Shane Long are not
doing bad at Reading.
”I thought Darren Randolph was excellent for us in the B International
(against Scotland) and has all the attributes to be a top ‘keeper
in the future. He’s highly thought of at Charlton Athletic and
has done well in the last few reserve team matches.
“I had a chat with Alex Ferguson about Darron Gibson, who is
on loan in Belgium with Royal Antwerp. He thinks it will do him the
world of good to come over and train with us and see how he does.
”He impressed me in the “B” International even though
he only played about half the match. He had a niggling knee injury
but is over that and played for his club at the weekend.
”What I like about him is that he's an all-round midfielder.
He's got plenty of potential - a big strong lad who has a bit of everything
needed to be a player.
”Alex (Ferguson) doesn't feel he's ready for International games
at this moment in time, which is a fair call from a man of his experience
but we'll take him to get him part of the squad,” said Staunton.
Ireland squad to play San Marino
Henderson, Colgan, Randolph, Finnan, Harte, McShane, Dunne, Carr,
O’Shea,
Douglas, Carsley, McGeady, Duff, Kilbane, Keane, Ireland, Gibson, A
Quinn, Keogh, Hunt, Stokes, Elliott, S Quinn, Long. |
