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Martin O'Neill names Robbie Keane and John O'Shea in latest Ireland squad

Martin O'Neill has named Robbie Keane and John O'Shea in his Ireland squad for the friendly again...



Martin O'Neill names Robbi...
Soccer

Martin O'Neill names Robbie Keane and John O'Shea in latest Ireland squad

Martin O'Neill has named Robbie Keane and John O'Shea in his Ireland squad for the friendly against Oman and the 2018 World Cup qualifier against Serbia.

With retirement a possibility following Euro 2016, the veteran duo's international futures had been unclear after the tournament but both are included.

The friendly against Oman takes place at Aviva Stadium on August 31st and on September 5th, the Boys in Green travel to Belgrade to take on Serbia in the first World Cup qualifier in their group.

Seamus Coleman, who is recovering from an ankle injury, is also named in the 28-man panel.  

Callum O'Dowda, who won his first Ireland cap against Belarus in a pre-Euro 2016 friendly, also makes the cut.  

Goalkeeper David Forde who did not make the Euro 2016 squad is among the three goalkeepers.

Centre-back Shane Duffy, who is suspended for one competitive game after a red card against hosts France in the last-16 of Euro 2016, is not included as he would be ineligible to face Serbia.

"The World Cup qualifying campaign is already upon us and we have a difficult set of fixtures in the coming months," O'Neill told FAI.ie.

"The visit of Oman to the Aviva Stadium reminds us of the game they played in Dublin two years ago. That took place immediately before we embarked on our European qualifying campaign.

"This game is ideal preparation for our first qualifier against Serbia in Belgrade a few days later. The Oman game also gives us the chance to play in front of Ireland supporters who enhanced their own reputation in France. We are looking forward to both games." 

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