Robbie Keane has been included in Ireland’s Euro 2016 squad that will travel to France, despite carrying a calf injury, writes Stephen Barry.
Keane is joined in the squad by Aiden McGeady, Stephen Quinn and David Meyler, who edged out a number of competitors for the midfield berths.
James McCarthy, who is rehabilitating a thigh injury, makes the cut but Martin O’Neill was keen not to take to many risks with injured players, so Harry Arter misses out.
Arter was unlucky to pick up a thigh injury in training yesterday and he is joined on the list of players to lose out by Bournemouth teammate Eunan O’Kane, Darron Gibson, David McGoldrick and Callum O’Dowda.
Keiren Westwood is given the nod to travel as a back-up goalkeeper in place of David Forde, despite Forde playing some of the second-half against Belarus. Darren Randolph and Shay Given are also selected.
The Republic of Ireland squad for #EURO2016 has been announced! #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/4WwmTRLOOF
— FAIreland (@FAIreland) May 31, 2016
The defence is as expected, with John O’Shea, Richard Keogh, Ciaran Clark and Shane Duffy chosen as the four centre-backs. Seamus Coleman, Cyrus Christie, Robbie Brady and Stephen Ward fill the full-back slots.
Up front, captain Keane is joined in the squad by Shane Long, Jon Walters and Daryl Murphy.
That means that Kevin Doyle, who was placed on the standby list yesterday and was climbing the Rocky Mountains with his teammates today, misses out.
team day hiking up the rockies @ColoradoRapids would've preferred a day out in turners cross though😉 @FAIreland pic.twitter.com/zJgDlBgeYn
— Kevin Doyle (@KevinDoyle1983) May 31, 2016
Wes Hoolahan, James McClean, Jeff Hendrick and McGeady will be expected to provide support to the attack from midfield.
That central selection is completed by Glenn Whelan, McCarthy, Meyler and Quinn.
Great photo from @sportsfiledave - the names of those who missed out written on back of sheet of paper pic.twitter.com/xt9iaQn1oy
— aidan o'hara (@oharaa) May 31, 2016
The squad will return to training at their camp in Fota Island tomorrow.
Elsewhere, Ireland’s upcoming Euro2016 opponents Italy have also finalised their squad.
2006 World Cup winner Daniele De Rossi has been included while West Ham defender Angelo Ogbonna has also been selected.
However, AC Milan midfielder Riccardo Montolivo has missed-out through injury.
