Carr recalled to Ireland squad for Holland friendly
Stephen Carr’s 10-month international exile is over after the Newcastle defender was named in a 24-man Republic of Ireland squad to face Holland in a friendly at Lansdowne Road next Wednesday.
Carr retired from international football last October following the Republic’s failure to qualify for the World Cup finals.
But the full-back, who celebrates his 30th birthday at the end of the month, has been tempted back by manager Stephen Staunton.
Staunton said: “I’m delighted to have the opportunity to name Stephen in my squad for the game with Holland.
“He has vast experience on the international scene and it’s great to see him back.
“I feel he still has something to offer while playing for his country.”
The clash with the Dutch is Staunton’s last warm-up match before he finalises plans for the European Championship qualifying campaign, with the Republic starting against Germany in Stuttgart on September 2.
Carr is part of a strong Magpies contingent that includes goalkeeper Shay Given and new £5m capture Damien Duff following his move from Chelsea a fortnight ago.
Also included for the first time in Staunton’s squad is 21-year-old midfielder Alan O’Brien from Dublin, who has made five substitute appearances for United this year.
Sunderland striker Stephen Elliott returns to the squad.
The Football Association of Ireland, meanwhile, have agreed a two-year, six-figure sponsorship deal with Oceanico Developments.
Oceanico will serve as the official leisure facilities supplier to the FAI, in particular with their luxury four and five-star resorts in the Algarve.
Staunton, whose squad used the facilities in May prior to a friendly against Chile, added: “Relocating the team to the warmer, sunnier climate proved a great opportunity for intensive tactical training.
“It helped to keep the squad focused and in the best possible condition.
“Now, the FAI will have access to these same facilities when we need them most, giving the team another tool to help prepare for the qualifying matches ahead of Euro 2008.”
Republic of Ireland squad to face Holland at Lansdowne Road on Wednesday, August 16:
Given (Newcastle), Kenny (Sheff Utd), Henderson (Brighton), Andy O’Brien (Portsmouth), Dunne (Man City), O’Shea (Man Utd), Harte (Levante), Finnan (Liverpool), Carr (Newcastle), Kelly (Birmingham), Miller (Man Utd), Reid (Blackburn), Kavanagh (Wigan), Ireland (Man City), Kilbane (Everton), Alan O’Brien (Newcastle), McGeady (Celtic), Dixon (Tottenham), Duff (Newcastle), Doyle (Reading), Morrison (Crystal Palace), Lee (Ipswich), Elliott (Sunderland), Keane (Tottenham).
