Trap calls up Lawrence to Republic squad
Liam Lawrence’s contribution to Stoke’s Premier League survival campaign has earned him a call-up for the Republic of Ireland.
The 27-year-old midfielder has been included in a 25-man party for the friendly clash with Nigeria at Craven Cottage on Friday, May 29, and 22 of them will fly out to Sofia for the World Cup Group Eight qualifier against Bulgaria the following weekend.
Preston duo Eddie Nolan and Sean St Ledger are also included, as is Coventry striker Leon Best, while Alex Bruce, Damien Delaney, Steve Finnan, Darren O’Dea and Noel Hunt are missing from the party initially named for the last two qualifiers against Bulgaria and Italy.
Reading striker Kevin Doyle is included, despite his recent achilles problems.
Trapattoni says he won't risk Doyle is there's any doubt after experiencing the injury himself as a player.
Squad: Shay Given (Manchester City), Dean Kiely (West Brom), Kieren Westwood (Coventry; Eddie Nolan, Sean St Ledger (both Preston), John O’Shea (Manchester United), Kevin Foley (Wolves), Paul McShane (Sunderland), Richard Dunne (Manchester City), Stephen Kelly (Birmingham), Kevin Kilbane (Hull); Aiden McGeady (Celtic), Damien Duff (Newcastle), Darron Gibson (Manchester United), Glenn Whelan (Stoke), Keith Andrews (Blackburn), Liam Miller (QPR), Stephen Hunt (Reading), Andy Keogh (Wolves), Liam Lawrence (Stoke); Caleb Folan (Hull), Kevin Doyle (Reading), Robbie Keane (Tottenham), Shane Long (Reading), Leon Best (Coventry).
