Gibson returns to Republic of Ireland squad as Keane remains captain

Thu, 21 Aug, 2014 - 12:00

Martin O'Neill has named a provisional 36-man squad for Ireland's upcoming games against Oman and Georgia.

Darron Gibson returns to the panel, having missed the beginning of Martin O’Neill tenure due to injury.

O’Neill admitted that some players such as Andy Reid are carrying injuries and O’Neill will monitor the fitness of Robbie Brady and James McClean.

O’Neill confirmed that Robbie Keane will remain as captain and as such is guaranteed a starting place in the qualification games.

Aston Villa’s 18-year-old prospect Birmingham-born Jack Grealish is omitted from the panel, having played the final 20 minutes of Villa’s opening premier league game.

“I spoke to his father and I spoke to Jack,” explained O’Neill of the Birmingham born player. “I think like anything else he has got a lot of potential“

“Jack has been comfortable, playing under age football, but moving up to senior football is a big step,” added O’Neill.

Richard Dunne’s retirement from international football has left open the new partnership at centre back.

“I’ve think the positions are open” O’Neill said of his centre back pairing. “I know I’ve named a big squad”.

“We have a number of centre halves and I will make the choice when it comes, I do have a fair idea on who it will be.”

On Richard Dunne’s retirement from international football, O’Neill said,

“We’ve had to do without him for some considerable time.” Explained O’Neill. “I made some comments at the last press conference about Richard, which were out of context.

“I think he’s been fantastic. I signed him for Aston Villa, he came and he was absolutely brilliant, he formed a really good partnership with Collins at the back.

“As time progressed it looked like he wouldn’t come back at all due to injury problem. Thankfully through some surgery and some hard work he has been able to come back.”

“My own personal view,” added O’Neill “I never wrote him off.“

Ireland face Oman in the Aviva stadium on September three, four days before the opening qualifier against Georgia, which will take place on the same day as the All Ireland hurling final.

“We organised the Oman international a while back” explained O’Neill. “I thought it was an opportunity for some guys who might not have played much pre-season.

“It’s been the longest build up imaginable,” joked O’Neill “I’m getting excited about it."

Republic of Ireland squad

David Forde

Keiren Westwood

Darren Randolph

Rob Elliot

Richard Keogh

Marc Wilson

Seamus Coleman

John O’Shea

Alex Pearce

Stephen Kelly