Soccer

Shay Given returns to Republic of Ireland squad

Goalkeeper ‘delighted’ to be joining up with 27-man squad for games against Oman and Georgia

Shay Given has been recalled to the Republic of Ireland squad ahead of the games against Oman and Georgia. Photograph: Niall Carson/PA
Shay Given has been recalled to the Republic of Ireland squad ahead of the games against Oman and Georgia. Photograph: Niall Carson/PA
Sat Aug 30 2014 - 21:08

Shay Given has been recalled to the Republic of Ireland squad after being named in the final 27-man list for Wednesday’s friendly against Oman in Dublin and the opening European qualifier away to Georgia in Tbilisi next Sunday.

The 38-year-old Aston Villa coach had retired from the international game after the European Championships in 2012, but he has changed his mind and admitted he was looking forward to travelling to Dublin to meet up with the squad. “Delighted to be back in the @FAIreland squad, looking forward to meeting up with the boys again. #COYBIG”, tweeted Given.

The Donegalman is one of four goalkeepers remaining in the 27 along with David Forde, Kieren Westwood and Rob Elliot, while Darren Randolph is on standby.

Stephen Kelly and Jeff Hendrick are suffering from injuries and Andy Reid has been withdrawn from the squad to receive medical treatment.

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Skipper Robbie Keane is being monitored as he attempts to shake off a minor problem, although Republic of Ireland boss Martin O'Neill is hopeful he will be fit for the Georgia game.

Randolph is joined on the standby list by Ciaran Clark, Paul McShane, Shane Duffy, Damien Delaney, Simon Cox and Conor Sammon.

Republic of Ireland squad

Goalkeepers: D Forde (Millwall), R Elliot (Newcastle), S Given (Aston Villa), K Westwood (Sheffield Wednesday).

Defenders: S Coleman (Everton), R Keogh (Derby County), J O'Brien (West Ham), J O'Shea (Sunderland), A Pearce (Reading), S Ward (Burnley), M Wilson (Stoke).

Midfielders: R Brady (Hull), D Gibson (Everton), W Hoolahan (Norwich), J McCarthy (Everton), J McClean (Wigan), A McGeady (Everton), D Meyler (Hull), A Pilkington (Cardiff), S Quinn (Hull), G Whelan (Stoke)

Forwards: K Doyle (Wolves), R Keane (LA Galaxy), S Long (Southampton), D Murphy (Ipswich), A Stokes (Celtic), J Walters (Stoke).

Standby: D Randolph (Birmingham), D Delaney (Crystal Palace), S Duffy (Everton), P McShane (Hull), C Clark (Aston Villa), S Cox (Reading), C Sammon Ipswich).

Injured: S Kelly (Reading), J Hendrik (Derby County), A Reid (Nottingham Forest).