STEPHEN WARD LOOKS set to join up with the Republic of Ireland senior squad for the first time after he was included today in Giovanni Trapattoni’s 33-man panel for the Carling Nations Cup games against Northern Ireland and Scotland and the Euro 2012 qualifier against Macedonia.
The Wolverhampton Wanderers utility man was called up to the squad last year for the friendlies against Paraguay and Algeria in May but had to withdraw when he was forced to undergo surgery on a persistent knee problem.
Although he has been a firm fixture in Mick McCarthy’s side as Wolves battle for Premier League survival this season, Ward was overlooked by Trapattoni during the opening stages of the Euro 2012 qualification campaign with the Irish boss waiting until now to give him a chance to impress in the senior squad.
The 25-year-old moved to Molineux in early 2007 following four successful years with Airtricity League side Bohemians.
“Following our 3-0 win over Wales in February, I am really looking forward to the remaining Carling Nations Cup fixtures against Northern Ireland and Scotland because this is a tournament which we want to win,” said manager Trapattoni.
“More importantly, the remaining fixtures in the Carling Nations Cup will give us a good opportunity to spend some extra time together as a squad in preparation for the EURO 2012 qualifier versus Macedonia on June 4.”
Strikers Caleb Folan and Anthony Stokes have also been recalled as part of the provisional panel but there is no place for Wes Hoolahan despite speculation that Norwich City attacker was set to be included once again, three years after his only senior appearance to date.
Sean St Ledger, Damien Duff, Darren O’Dea, Keith Andrews and Kevin Doyle have all been provisionally named as part of the squad pending the results of fitness tests.
Ireland face Northern Ireland on May 24 and Scotland on May 29 in the Carling Nations Cup at the Aviva Stadium before travelling to Macedonia for a Euro 2012 qualifier on June 4.
Republic of Ireland Squad: Shay Given, Kieran Westwood, David Forde; Richard Dunne, John O’Shea, Kevin Foley, Damien Delaney, Ciaran Clark, Seamus Coleman, Kevin Kilbane, Stephen Kelly, Paul McShane; James McCarthy, Glenn Whelan, Marc Wilson, Darron Gibson, Aiden McGeady, Keith Fahey, Liam Lawrence, Keith Treacy, Stephen Hunt; Stephen Ward, Andy Keogh, Anthony Stokes, Caleb Folan, Jon Walters, Robbie Keane, Shane Long.
Provisionally included (subject to fitness): Sean St. Ledger, Damien Duff, Darren O’Dea, Keith Andrews, Kevin Doyle.
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