PDA

View Full Version : Squad announced



Éanna
10/04/2002, 1:55 PM
from soccercentral.ie (http://www.soccercentral.ie/viewstory.asp?id=6864&mainheading=Republic+of+Ireland&viewstory=yes)

Sadlier and Delap get their chance


Rory Delap and Richard Sadlier are the surprise picks for Mick McCarthy in his squad to meet the USA at Lansdowne Road next week.

Delap was seen in an Irish jersey against Greece two years ago and was almost resigned to missing out on the World Cup finals.

But McCarthy has recognised a return to form for the versatile Southampton midfielder and Delap must now have a great chance of gate-crashing the final 23.

Sadlier’s inclusion also comes as something of a surprise given that the player appeared to rule himself out of World Cup action.

A troublesome hip injury has been causing Sadlier pain for a number of months and it was thought that he would need an operation as soon as the season ends.

But on the evidence of last weekend, Niall Quinn may have big problems reporting fit for duty when the Irish squad gathers on May 17 for their flight to the Far East and Sadlier is seen as the natural successor to Ireland’s top striker of all-time.

Republic of Ireland v USA, April 17

Squad
Republic of Ireland.
Goalkeepers.
Given (Newcastle), Kiely (Charlton), Colgan (Hibs).
Defenders.
G Kelly (Leeds), Staunton (Villa), Harte (Leeds), Breen (Coventry), Finnan (Fulham), Dunne (Man City), Cunningham (Wimbledon), O'Brien (Newcastle), .
Midfield.
Kinsella (Charlton), McAteer (Blackburn), Holland (Ipswich), Kilbane (Sunderland), Healy (Coventry), Reid (Millwall), Delap (Southampton).
Strikers.
Quinn (Sunderland), Robbie Keane (Leeds), Connolly (Wimbledon), Morrison (Palace), Duff (Blackburn), Sadlier (Millwall)