Town central defender Damien Delaney has been added to the Republic of Ireland squad ahead of their friendly against Uruguay in Dublin on Tuesday. Delaney will hope to play a part from the bench while Blues loanee Darren O’Dea is in the starting line-up (Sky Sports Two/HD2 7.30pm).

Delaney has previously won two full caps, playing at left-back in coach Giovanni Trapattoni’s first two matches in charge while a QPR player in 2008. The 29-year-old will join up with the injury-hit squad today.

O’Dea, who won his fifth full cap playing in the centre of the Irish defence in Saturday’s 2-1 Euro 2012 victory over Macedonia, has again been named in the starting line-up for Tuesday's game.

The Celtic man, who received rave reviews for his performance against the Macedonians, was pleased to make his competitive international debut: "I knew coming into the squad last week that I might have a chance of playing.

"All the speculation was about Richard Dunne but as it turned out Richard was fine and it was Sean St Ledger who picked up a knock in training.

"So I was delighted to get the chance to play and make my competitive debut for my country. I was happy with how I played, it went well for me on a personal level and now I have a taste of competitive games, I want a lot more.

"Maybe I have a chance of getting into the side now for the team in June in the next qualifier as Richard is suspended. But there are a lot of games at club level between now and then so I will just do my best for my club and hope to get in again for the game in Macedonia [in June]."

Republic of Ireland: Westwood (Coventry City), Foley (Wolves), O'Dea (Ipswich Town), Kelly (Fulham), Clarke (Aston Villa), Lawrence (Portsmouth), Green (Derby County), Fahey (Birmingham City), Keogh (Bristol City), McCarthy (Wigan Athletic), Long (Reading).

Photo: Action Images

Smithy added 11:18 - Mar 28 Well deserved, still baffled how O'Dea gets called up ahead of him!
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itfc1981 added 11:24 - Mar 28 about fecking time! (see, I'am speaking Irish in his honour!)
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DiamondGezzer added 12:16 - Mar 28 And deservedly so ! Please don't get injured.
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kerryblue added 12:23 - Mar 28 Long overdue,should be in the team ahead of O Dea but when you have the likes of Trappatoni in charge form counts for very little
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Garv added 12:26 - Mar 28 Too right, would rather see him kept than Norris.
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Ipswichtown4life added 13:24 - Mar 28 CONGRATS Delaney, u deserved it pal.... come on the irish....wooooo... dnt get injured man, plus try to hit suarez a bang or two haha.. well done mate....
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bluelady added 14:36 - Mar 28 if he previously played at left back no wonder is international career was cut short! Stick him in as centre back and just maybe you will see what youve been missing Giovanni!
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shoopdelang added 16:04 - Mar 28 Don't get me wrong, at international level I think ROI are poor. But imagine all of those championship players in the same team, it would be an exceptional side at this level.
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triggs21 added 16:29 - Mar 28 Shoopdelang : ROI have been no poor than England or any of the British Counties, at least the Irish lads play with heart and determination to make up for the lack of ability, England are meant to have a team full of superstars and continue to under achieve. So you might think the ROI are poor but i can tell you with all their superstars England are a lot worse.
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StochesStotasBlewe added 19:49 - Mar 28 It appears our centre back pairing must be rated quite highly at present. Behind G Mac, Mr Delaney has been a fairly consistant performer this season & is another the club should be busting a gut to sign up for next season. The spine of the team should be built from the back & i can,t think of a better championship pairing at present than these two.
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