Giovanni Trapattoni today (May 18) named 25 players for the forthcoming International friendly against Nigeria on May 29 in Craven Cottage (kick off 8pm). 22 of these players will be selected for the squad to play Bulgaria in the FIFA World Cup group 8 Qualifier in Sofia on June 6 (kick off 8.30pm local time).

Welcoming the announcement, Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni said:
“Preparations for the game against Nigeria on May 29 will allow us to see some new players who have distinguished themselves during the course of the last season and also to welcome back players like Caleb Folan and Kevin Foley.”

He added, “Nigeria is a powerhouse of African football, with many strong and fast players who are playing for top clubs in England and Europe. They will provide a challenging test before the very important World Cup Qualfier in Bulgaria on June 6.”


Republic of Ireland Squad:

Goalkeepers
Shay Given - Manchester City
Dean Kiely - West Brom
Keiren Westwood - Coventry City

Defenders
Eddie Nolan - Preston North End
Sean St. Ledger - Preston North End
John O'Shea - Manchester United
Kevin Foley - Wolves
Paul McShane - Sunderland
Richard Dunne - Manchester City
Stephen Kelly - Birmingham City
Kevin Kilbane - Hull City

Midfielders
Aiden McGeady - Glasgow Celtic
Damien Duff - Newcastle United
Darron Gibson - Manchester United
Glenn Whelan - Stoke City
Keith Andrews - Blackburn Rovers
Liam Miller - QPR
Stephen Hunt - Reading
Andy Keogh - Wolves
Liam Lawrence - Stoke City

Forwards
Caleb Folan - Hull City
Kevin Doyle - Reading
Robbie Keane - Tottenham Hotspur
Shane Long - Reading
Leon Best - Coventry City