Soccer: Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni has adopted a 'wait and see' approach to preparations for two Carling Nations Cup games later this month and June's Euro 2012 qualifier against Macedonia. Despite naming a 33-man squad this afternoon, the Italian appeared resigned to the prospect of it looking a lot different come the first game against Northern Ireland on May 24th.

Indeed, it appeared to have changed within minutes of the press release being sent out, when it was clarified that Fulham winger Damien Duff had been dropped from a five-man 'maybe' list and ruled out entirely with an Achilles injury, leaving Keith Andrews, Seán St Ledger, Darren O’Dea and Kevin Doyle among those doubtful. The latter is a major worry, having injured his knee against Macedonia in March, and Trapattoni prepared for the worst by recalling Colorado Rapids striker Caleb Folan.

"We follow him, he has scored goals and has no injury so we wait for him to come in," said the Italian of the former Hull striker. "He said he's happy to come and we're happy to have him."

Goalkeeper Keiren Westwood is another who should have had an asterisk beside his name, as it emerged he too is nursing a knock and could well be unavailable. That would be worse news were it not for the positive prognosis on Shay Given, who is believed to be recovering well from his own shoulder trouble that led to Westwood's inclusion for the 2-1 win over Macedonia and the 3-2 friendly defeat to Uruguay in March.

"He (Given) said he's okay and he's ready," reassured Trapattoni at Athlone IT today. "We know his character. Without any other problems he will be here."

Wolves utility man Stephen Ward is the only uncapped player named, while there is no place for Norwich City midfielder Wes Hoolahan, who was so influential in the Canaries’ promotion to the Premier League this season. Trapattoni explained the former Shelbourne man is not quite what he is looking for at the moment, but considering the uncertainty surrounding the fitness of some his players and the subsequent withdrawal of Duff, his inclusion at a later date cannot be ruled out.

The versatile left-sided Ward may already have the 'wild card' slot boxed off, however, while Keith Treacy is also an option for the Italian and Stephen Hunt's return is a welcome one.

Folan's inclusion will cause some surprise, despite assistant manager Marco Tardelli insisting last month he was still in the reckoning. He has not exactly set the world alight in America, scoring twice in five appearances, with both goals coming in a 4-1 win over DC United over a month ago. He has started three games since but neither he nor his club have scored a goal in that time.

He will face competition for a place up front from a few form men, namely Anthony Stokes, Jon Walters and Reading's Shane Long, who was man-of-the-match in the friendly against Uruguay and has been in sizzling form for his club while in pursuit of a Championship play-off place.

"Following our 3-0 win over Wales in February, I am really looking forward to the remaining Carling Nations Cup fixtures against Northern Ireland and Scotland because this is a tournament which we want to win," said Trapattoni today. "More importantly, the remaining fixtures in the Carling Nations Cup will give us a good opportunity to spend some extra time together as a squad in preparation for the EURO 2012 qualifier versus Macedonia on June 4th."

The games on the 24th and the 29th will indeed offer Trapattoni another chance to look at the likes of James McCarthy and Treacy. Marc Wilson, who along with Glenn Whelan and Walters may well be an FA Cup winner with Stoke City by the time the games come around, will also be hoping to add to his solitary cap.

The games at the Aviva Stadium will also afford an opportunity to bed John O'Shea back into the squad. His is a timely return, given the suspension of Richard Dunne for the trip to Skopje and doubts over O'Dea's fitness.

Republic of Ireland squad

Goalkeepers

Shay Given, Keiren Westwood, David Forde

Defenders

Richard Dunne, John O’Shea, Kevin Foley, Damien Delaney, Ciaran Clark, Seamus Coleman, Kevin Kilbane, Stephen Kelly, Paul McShane.

Midfielders

James McCarthy, Glenn Whelan, Marc Wilson, Darron Gibson, Aiden McGeady, Keith Fahey, Liam Lawrence, Keith Treacy, Stephen Hunt, Stephen Ward.

Forwards

Andy Keogh, Anthony Stokes, Caleb Folan, Jon Walters, Robbie Keane, Shane Long,

Provisionally included

Seán St. Ledger, Darren O’Dea, Keith Andrews, Kevin Doyle