By DAN KARELL
Members of the U.S. Men’s National Team could be seeing a familiar face standing across the field when they visit the Republic of Ireland in November.
Republic of Ireland National Team manager Martin O’Neill has included star LA Galaxy forward Robbie Keane in his provisional squad for the Republic’s upcoming matches at Scotland in a Euro 2016 qualifier on Nov. 14 and in Dublin at the Aviva Stadium against the USA in a friendly match on Nov. 18.
“I am looking forward to assembling the squad for the last time this year in preparation for our final games of 2014,” O’Neill said in a statement. “I am absolutely delighted with the courage and determination we showed in our last two qualifiers, and hope we can continue this run next month against Scotland and the USA”
Also included in the squad are Everton’s quartet of Irishmen, Seamus Coleman, James McCarthy, Darren Gibson, and Aiden McGeady, Brad Guzan’s teammate at Aston Villa, Shay Given, and other experienced English Premier League players such as Stoke City’s Jon Walters and Glenn Whelan, and Southampton’s Shane Long.
O’Neill is expected to trim the squad to a final 23 by Nov. 10. It’s possible that Keane will not be included in the final squad if the Galaxy qualify for the Western Conference finals, which begin on Nov. 22-23.
Here’s a look at the Republic of Ireland’s provisional squad for their November matches:
GOALKEEPERS: David Forde (Millwall), Shay Given (Aston Villa), Keiren Westwood (Sheffield Wednesday), Darren Randolph (Birmingham City), Rob Elliot (Newcastle United)
DEFENDERS: Richard Keogh (Derby County), Marc Wilson (Stoke City), Séamus Coleman (Everton), John O’Shea (Sunderland), Stephen Ward (Burnley), Alex Pearce (Reading), Brian Lenihan (Hull City), Stephen Kelly (Reading), Paul McShane (Hull City), Damien Delaney (Crystal Palace), Shane Duffy (Blackburn Rovers)
MIDFIELDERS: James McCarthy (Everton), Jeff Hendrick (Derby County), Ciaran Clark (Aston Villa), Glenn Whelan (Stoke City), Darron Gibson (Everton), Paul Green (Rotherham United), Aiden McGeady (Everton), Anthony Pilkington (Cardiff City), James McClean (Wigan Athletic), Robbie Brady (Hull City), Stephen Quinn (Hull City), David Meyler (Hull City)
FORWARDS: Robbie Keane (LA Galaxy), Shane Long (Southampton), Daryl Murphy (Ipswich Town), Jon Walters (Stoke City), Kevin Doyle (Crystal Palace), Anthony Stokes (Celtic), Simon Cox (Reading), Conor Sammon (Ipswich Town)
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What do you think of this squad? How do you expect the USMNT to match up against this Ireland team? Do you see Keane playing if the Galaxy make it to the Conference finals?
Share your thoughts below.
I’m wishing for Robbie to play when Halloween comes up. You get one wish and I’m gonna wish for that and it has to come true. Unless someone else wishes he doesn’t play then I’ll be screwed. Please wish for Robbie to play against the US, It would be a dream come true or a “Wish come True” harhar. But yeah seriously, please. I need you. In my arms. Right now.
Don’t think will be seeing Keane against the U.S
Will be interesting to see if the coach has Darren Randolph in goal against the US. His dad is an American (former pro basketball player) and he has dropped an occasional hint that he is still eligible for the US (probably fodder for the Irish fed to remember).
^Bro, way to drop some knowledge. Thanks! I was completely clueless about Ranolph. Even if he never plays for the US (we’re pretty deep at that spot), he’s now on my radar.
What’s the issue with Keane? If he plays Nov. 14 in the game that counts then that’s 8 days of rest until the semi finals. Even if he plays a partial game on the 18th then that’s still 4-5 days rest.
Exactly, the match on the 14th is huge. Ireland is tied atop their group, away to Scotland is one they have to win. He’s traveled farther for less important matches, and I’m sure Keane himself will want to play.