Keane and Morrison back in Ireland squad
Manchester United skipper Roy Keane and Birmingham striker Clinton Morrison have been recalled to the Republic of Ireland squad for the friendly against Portugal at Lansdowne Road on February 9.
Keane was rested for last November’s 1-0 victory over Croatia in Dublin and Morrison returns after injury.
Chelsea winger Damien Duff is set to win his 50th international cap.
Back after injury are Stephen Carr, Andy O’Brien, Matt Holland, Andy Reid and Jon Macken.
Kerr has named a 27-man squad with the emphasis on getting the right blend between experience and youth.
“This match is the perfect preparation for our next Group Four World Cup tie against Israel in Tel Aviv on March 26,” said Kerr.
“The likes of Stephen Elliott and Aiden McGeady have made excellent progress with Sunderland and Celtic in the last few months.
“It’s good to have players like them around to fit into the squad system if there are any injuries or suspensions,” added Kerr.
The Republic top group four after home wins against Cyprus and the Faroe Islands as well as draws away to both France and Switzerland.
Republic of Ireland squad: Given (Newcastle), Kenny (Sheffield United), Murphy (Walsall), Carr (Newcastle), Finnan (Liverpool), O’Brien (Newcastle), Breen (Sunderland), Doherty (Norwich), Cunningham (Birmingham), Dunne (Manchester City), O’Shea (Manchester United), Maybury (Leicester), Miller (Manchester United), Quinn (Sheffield United), Roy Keane (Manchester United), Kavanagh (Cardiff), Holland (Charlton), Kilbane (Everton), Reid (Nottingham Forest), Duff (Chelsea), Barrett (Coventry), Lee (Cardiff), Elliott (Sunderland), McGeady (Celtic), Robbie Keane (Tottenham), Macken (Manchester City), Morrison (Birmingham).
