Rory Delap has been called up by Mick McCarthy ahead of the Republic of Ireland v U.S.A., next Wednesday,April 17th. More importantly Delap must now have a great chance of a back door pass to the final 23, who will travel to Korea representing the Republic. Possibly?
Delap has played some marvelous football this season since his move from Derby. Not only Gordon Strachan has recognised this, but Mick McCarthy has also, it appears. His superb strike to give the Saints the equaliser against Fulham over a week ago, seems to also have influenced Micks choice. The last time Delap put an Irish jersey on, was against Greece. (Last cap v Greece 26/4/00).
And even more surprising Richard Sadlier (Sad's) is included in the squad to face the U.S.A.. Sad's is currently nursing a hip injury which requires "surgical" attention, according to Sad's himself. He has ruled himself out of the World Cup Finals, however he IS obviously Niall Quinn's natural sucessor as Striker for the Republic. And if Sad's does not make the final's in Korea 2002, the U.S.A. game will give the Manager the opportunity to monitor his progress since Russia, and long term.
Although the "Mighty Quinn" is invaluable to any squad, its looking like Niall will not be in the final 23 picked by Mick.
F.I.F.A. have given National coaches until May 23rd to announce the final 23 squad members
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), .
Midfielders. 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)
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