Five players have been released by Giovanni Trapattoni for the Republic of Ireland’s friendly with Italy on Tuesday.
Captain Robbie Keane scored his 50th and 51st international goals against Macedonia in Saturday's Euro 2012 qualifier, but he will not feature in his national side’s last game of the campaign after being excused the trip.
The Tottenham Hotspur striker played with a painkilling injection in Skopje, while goalkeeper Shay Given also needed one during the game and he too will not feature in the Belgium-based friendly.
Manchester United defender John O’Shea has also been given an early release with his wife expecting a baby, while the game in Leuven will also be played out without Kevin Kilbane and Keith Fahey. The latter has a knee injury, while Kilbane will join fellow veteran Given on a coaching course.
It has also been reported that wide men Aiden McGeady and Stephen Hunt were given the option of dropping out, but both refused and should feature against the Azzurri.
Shane Long will lead the Irish attack against Trapattoni’s former side, while it has also been confirmed that the in-demand Reading front man will be partnered in attack by Andy Keogh.
No new players have been called up to replace those let go, with the likes of Seamus Coleman, Kevin Foley and goalkeeper David Forde eager for further international opportunities.