O'Dea gets the call as Finnan returns

Giovanni Trapattoni’s squad announcement ahead of World Cup qualifiers against the Bulgaria and Italy this morning was business as usual, save for eircom staff’s presentation of a cake and rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’ for the Ireland manager. The Italian turns 70 tomorrow, on the national holiday of his adopted country, but with a campaign defining double-header on the horizon, his focus is unlikely to shift from two other dates - Croke Park on March 28th and the trip to Bari to face the world champions on April 1st.

Darren O’Dea is the most notable inclusion in the 26-man squad after his extra-time goal in the League Cup final yesterday laid the foundation for a 2-0 Celtic win over Rangers.

The central defender was seeking to be loaned out by the Scottish champions recently, because of a lack of game time, but his timely strike and solid performance on the big stage, have instead afforded him the chance to earn his first senior cap.

Defender Kevin Foley and goalkeeper Keiren Westwood are the only other uncapped players in the squad.

The inexperience is compensated for somewhat by the inclusion of full-back Steve Finnan, whose injury problems of late have also seen him struggle for game time at Espanyol.

Trapattoni has been keen to get the former Liverpool defender back in tow since his appointment last year and will be relieved to finally do so, with the position at the right side of defence having been a bit of worry in the campaign so far.

There is also recall for the fit-again Hull City striker Caleb Folan in a squad that will be trimmed to 23 prior to the Bulgaria.

“So far in this group, Bulgaria have drawn all of their three World Cup qualifying matches,” said Trapattoni today. “I have no doubt they will be invigorated by the appointment of their new manager, Stanimir Stoilov, and they will come to Croke Park looking for a win to kickstart their World Cup qualifying campaign.

“Bulgaria have a strong tradition of football in their country with many well known players in their squad so we are under no illusion as to the task that awaits us on March 28th.

“This game represents a real opportunity to open a significant gap at the top of the table in group eight. For the next six months we will be playing away so strong support in this last home game until October will be vital. Every point gained will be valuable in the race to qualify for South Africa.”

Aside from the long-term injury to Steven Reid, the Italian has everyone he wants, fit and at his disposal.

Keith Andrews will vie with Darron Gibson for a place alongside Glenn Whelan in the centre of midfield and Aiden McGeady, having scored the second against Rangers at the weekend, is available for duty with fellow winger Damien Duff.

Folan is likely to have direct competition from Noel Hunt to remain in the trimmed squad, with a rejuvenated Robbie Keane, player of the year Kevin Doyle and his Reading team-mate Shane Long all included among the strikers.

Having completed a double over Georgia, beaten Cyprus at Croke Park and drawn away to Montenegro, Ireland are level with Italy on 10 points at the top of the table.

Italy have won in Cyprus and beaten Georgia and Montenegro at home, but could only draw 0-0 with Bulgaria in Sofia.

A win over third-placed Bulgaria, who have just three points from as many games, could see Ireland move top of the group, given the fact that the Italians face a daunting trip to Montenegro on the same day.

Conversely, defeat would invite Bulgaria back into contention for the top two positions.

The game will be Ireland's last at home until Italy visit on October 10th. In the meantime they will travel to Bari, Bulgaria and Cyprus, so the manager is calling on fans to give his side a proper send off at Croke Park.

“For the next six months, we will be playing away, so strong support in this last home game until October will be vital," said the Italian.

“Every point gained will be valuable in the race to qualify for South Africa.”

Republic of Ireland 26-man squad

Goalkeeepers
Shay Given
Dean Kiely
Keiren Westwood

Defenders
Alex Bruce
Damien Delaney
John O'Shea
Kevin Foley
Paul McShane
Richard Dunne
Stephen Kelly
Steve Finnan
Kevin Kilbane
Darren O'Dea

Midfielders
Aiden McGeady
Damien Duff
Darron Gibson
Glenn Whelan
Keith Andrews
Liam Miller
Stephen Hunt
Andy Keogh

Forwards
Caleb Folan
Kevin Doyle
Robbie Keane
Shane Long
Noel Hunt