| Starting Squad for U.S.A. friendly game, Wednesday 17 April, 2002, Lansdowne |
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Juggling injury worries this side of the world cup has not been easy on MickMcCarthy, to say the least. However he has named a squad and its a strong squad.
With Breen and Delap starting for a change, theres no surprise to see Finnan, O'Brien, and Given along with Harte at the back, judged on not only their club performances. But equally their commitment to the qualification campaign. Delap, it has to be said has won Mick over once again, and his displays for the Saints has all but guaranteed him a possible place on the Plane to Korea. Roy Keane is still nursing a ham-string, but the re-habilitation is good and he will almost make the world cup finals. Anyway, Roy dosent agree with friendlys, however when he is fit to play, he always displays 110%. Nobody can doubt that. Still no more information on Keith O'Neills freak leg break on the Coventry training ground. All the best to you anyway Mate, and fingers crossed with the injury and the overall rehab. Mark Kennedy has resumed full training, while Stephen Carr will not kick a ball in Korea. Richard Sadlier will have an operation on a niggling hip injury, while Niall Quinn suffered a neck injury against Liverpool, Saturday gone. |
Kinsella (Back to full Fitness), Healy and Kilbane will control the midfield. Mick has spoke to Souness and has cleared the air, according to the press. Not that he would have had any concerns with playing a fully fit Duffer. And all is ok there. Front men, Keane (Rob), and Duffer, should surely cause the American defence some worries with their combined pace. Doherty will feature somehow, however he only made his first start for Spurs on Saturday to West Ham.
Republic of Ireland Team to Start Goal Keeper: Shay Given(Newcastle United) Defence: Steve Finnan (Fulham), Andy O'Brien (Newcastle United), Gary Breen (Coventry City), Ian Harte (Leeds United Midfield: Rory Delap (Southampton), Mark Kinsella (Charlton Ath), Colin Healy (Celtic), Kevin Kilbane(Sunderland) Strikers: Damien Duff(Blackburn Rovers), Robbie Keane(Leeds United). |
