Kenna back in Republic squad
Birmingham City skipper Jeff Kenna has been recalled to the Republic of Ireland squad for the vital Group 10 European Championship qualifier against Switzerland at Lansdowne Road on October 16.
The 32-year-old Kenna last played for the Republic three years ago in the Euro 2000 championship play-off against Turkey in Bursa, a game that ended in a scoreless draw.
Out of favour with Blackburn and after a series of Achilles tendon injuries, Kenna had loan spells at Wigan Athletic and Tranmere Rovers before moving to Birmingham six months ago.
He was captain as Steve Bruce’s team achieved promotion to the Premiership at the end of last season.
"With Steve Finnan and Stephen Carr ruled out by injuries, Jeff gets his chance and I’m sure he will be very pleased as he has been such a long time out of the frame," said manager Mick McCarthy.
Newcastle United’s Andy O’Brien is also named in the squad for next week’s game. He missed last month’s 4-2 defeat by Russia in Moscow’s Lokomotiv stadium in the opening Group 10 qualifier because of shin splints.
"I have spoken to Bobby Robson and he has informed me that Andy has a hamstring problem – but we’ll just have to wait and see how he progresses," said McCarthy.
Despite the excellent performances of John O’Shea for Manchester United this season either in central defence or in the full-back role, McCarthy will stick by his current central defensive partnership of West Ham’s Gary Breen and Birmingham City’s Kenny Cunningham.
"John O’Shea has done very well for Manchester United this season. That’s why he is in the squad and putting pressure on those vying for the central defensive roles," added the Irish boss.
McCarthy will be on a spying mission to Tirana when Albania play hosts to the Swiss in a Group 10 championship game on Saturday coming. On the same day his assistant Ian Evans will take in the other Group 10 European Championship qualifier between Georgia and Russia in Tbilisi.
* Republic of Ireland squad for Euro 2004 qualifier against Switzerland at Lansdowne Road, Dublin on Wednesday, October 16.
Squad: Given (Newcastle), Kiely (Charlton), Colgan (Hibernian), Harte (Leeds), Breen (West Ham), Kelly (Leeds), Cunningham (Birmingham), O’Shea (Manchester United), O’Brien (Newcastle), Babb (Sunderland), Holland (Ipswich), Healy (Celtic), Kinsella (Aston Villa), Carsley (Everton), Delap (Southampton), McPhail (Leeds), Kilbane (Sunderland), Keane (Tottenham), Morrison (Birmingham), Duff (Blackburn), Doherty (Tottenham), Kenna (Birmingham).
