IRELAND MANAGER Giovanni Trapattoni has today finalised his 23-man squad for EURO 2012.
And the news is that Paul McShane — only added to the panel last week — has booked his flight to Poland.
John O’Shea has been deemed fit for the tournament while Paul Green is also included. The decision to include McShane is heartbreaking for Kevin Foley who misses out; he can remain with the squad for the duration, Trap says, though that’s little consolation.
The Wolves defender reported with a hamstring problem and has been working ever since in an effort to shake it off. He’s the second player to be sent home following Birmingham midfielder Keith Fahey’s departure at the weekend after the Bosnia game.
“With the injuries that we experienced in the squad over the past week, I have had to make a tough decision when it comes to naming the 23 players that must be submitted to UEFA for the championship,” said the Italian.
“Kevin Foley, John O’Shea, Paul McShane, Darren O’Dea, Shay Given had all been carrying knocks and we have been monitoring them closely in their recovery. Although Kevin has been recovering well, I have made the difficult decision to leave him out of the 23 player list after completing fitness tests on John O’Shea and Paul McShane this morning.
“I have spoken to him and understand how difficult it is, saying that he can remain with the squad if he wishes.”
The full squad is: Shay Given, Sean St Ledger, Stephen Ward, John O’Shea, Richard Dunne, Glenn Whelan, Aiden McGeady, Keith Andrews Kevin Doyle, Robbie Keane, Damien Duff , Stephen Kelly, Paul McShane, Jonathan Walters, Darron Gibson, Keiren Westwood, Stephen Hunt, Darren O’Dea, Shane Long, Simon Cox, Paul Green, James McClean, David Forde.
What do you think?
