Kerr names squad for Israel and China games

Brian Kerr has announced a 23 man squad for the crucial World cup qualifier in Tel Aviv on Easter Saturday. There are no surprises in the squad announced on Tuesday afternoon with manager, Brian Kerr, standing by his tried and trusted troops. Looking at the squad, it would appear that Gary Doherty has been included purely as an attacking option. The consensus seems to be that with the possible exception of left back and right midfield the team picks itself. Brian must now spend the usual anxious wait for the completion of this weekend‚s fixtures and hope that all of our players come through their matches unscathed. The majority of the squad will assemble in Dublin on Sunday evening and will fly to Tel Aviv on Wednesday afternoon. As ever, the next game i.e. this game against Israel becomes the most important match in our efforts to qualify for Germany 2006. With France meeting Switzerland on the same day and subsequently playing Israel in Tel Aviv four days later, the shape of the group will take on a much clearer image. Indications are that something in the region of 2,000 Irish supporters will travel to Israel and amongst them will be some 80 Club members. While the numbers will in no way match the invasion of Paris, it is incumbent upon those that do travel to provide the team with the vocal encouragement that so often contributes to the efforts of the players. The matter of safety is one that will always be at the forefront of our thoughts where Israel is concerned and while our attendance and support is endorsed by Brian Kerr and the Association we should at all times apply the appropriate standards of caution and common sense. The appended link provides fuller details relating to our visit to Israel and our attendance at both of our matches. Friday 25 March 2005   Israel U21 v Ireland U21 KO 15.00 (local time)  Venue:  Herzelia Stadium About a 10 minute drive north of the downtown hotel area. Saturday 26 March 2005 Israel v Ireland             KO 19.50 (local time) Venue: Ramat Gan Stadium About 4-5 kilometres from the City Centre. Squad as follows: Goalkeepers Given (Newcastle Utd) Kenny (Sheff Utd) Murphy (Walsall) Defenders Carr (Newcastle Utd) O’Shea (Man.Utd) Breen (Sunderland) Dunne (Man. City) Cunningham (C) (Birmingham City) Finnan (Liverpool) Maybury (Leicester City) O’Brien (Newcastle United Midfielders Miller (Man. Utd) Roy Keane (Man. Utd) Kilbane (Everton) Holland (Charlton Ath.) Quinn (Sheff. Utd) Withdrawn Injured Reid (Spurs) Kavanagh (Wigan Ath.) Duff (Chelsea) Forwards Morrison (Birmingham City) Robbie Keane (Spurs) Elliott (Sunderland) Doherty (Norwich City)