Giovanni Trapattoni has included neither James McClean nor Ciaran Clark in his squad for this month’s friendly between the Republic of Ireland and the Czech Republic.
The Italian, on Friday, named a 24-man panel for the Aviva Stadium friendly on February 29, but will have left many fans disappointed by the exclusions of the two in-form youngsters in what will be the last game before he has to name his 23-man squad for the Euro 2012 finals.
Sunderland winger McClean, 22, has shot to Premier League prominence since getting his chance under new Black Cats boss Martin O’Neill. He has scored three goals since making his debut in December, the most recent the decider in the 1-0 win at Stoke last Saturday.
After it was confirmed this week that the ex-Derry City man was free to play for the Republic, he was widely expected to be given a chance by Tapattoni.
Aston Villa’s twice-capped Clark, also 22, has shone in his side’s midfield in recent weeks, while also looking sound in defence, also looks set to now play no part when Ireland go to Poland in June, with it though unlikely that – injuries notwithstanding – Trap will not pick anyone new after the Czech game.
Seamus Coleman, James McCarthy and Kevin Foley have been included, with Darron Gibson recalled but Leon Best missing out because of injury.
On the announcement of the squad in Waterford, Trapattoni said: “This game is the beginning of our Euro 2012 preparations. As we face this fixture, it is important for our players to remember the attitude and performance that brought us qualification.
“The Czech Republic are a strong team, and their system is similar to Croatia and Spain. This game is vital in helping us choose our 23-player squad for May. We will continue to monitor our players afterwards, and keep a close eye on their fitness in the coming months.”
Republic of Ireland squad:
Goalkeepers: Given, Westwood, Forde.
Defenders: O’Shea, Kelly, Ward, Dunne, St. Ledger, O’Dea, Foley.
Midfielders: Whelan, McCarthy, Coleman, Andrews, Fahey, Gibson, Duff, McGeady, Hunt.
Forwards: Keane, Doyle, Long, Cox, Walters.