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).