BIRMINGHAM midfielder Keith Fahey has been called into the Ireland squad for their Carling Nations Cup clash with Wales.

The 28-year-old has been drafted in as a replacement for Preston’s Keith Treacy, who has withdrawn because of a knee injury.

Giovanni Trapattoni’s men open their campaign against Wales at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium on Tuesday, February 8.

Fahey was unimpressive in November’s friendly against Norway with Trapattoni since keen to explore other midfield options.

Wigan’s James McCarthy, not included in the original squad, was even promoted ahead of the Dubliner earleir this week.

But with Treacy now ruled out with a knee injury Fahey has been given the nod. The former St Pat’s man will be keen to impress the Italian.

Republic of Ireland squad: Given (Manchester City), Westwood (Coventry City), O’Shea (Manchester Utd), Clark (Aston Villa), Coleman (Everton), Dunne (Aston Villa), St Ledger (Preston NE), Kelly (Fulham), O’Dea (Celtic), Wilson (Stoke City), Gibson (Manchester Utd), Whelan (Stoke City), Green (Derby Co), Lawrence (Portsmouth), McCarthy (Wigan Ath), Fahey (Birmingham City), Duff (Fulham), Keane (Tottenham), Walters (Stoke City), Doyle (Wolves), Long (Reading), Best (Newcastle)