Agony: Henry's hand breaks Irish heartsFor Irish fans, the wait is over. The disruption caused by economic instability and the envy of their rivals England when they come to host the Olympics, will certainly not dampen the Irish spirit when they arrive in Poland and the Ukraine for the European Championships. They have waited 10 years to return to the holy grail of international football, and Giovanni Trapattoni has been the man to get them back into the frame. The road to qualification has often beenbumpyand dramatic for Ireland; following the Mick McCarthy era they have Paul Martin Kids Jersey witne sed perhaps the worst defeat in their history, a 5-2drummingagainst Cyprus, one of their best runs of forms culminating in a 10 match unbeaten streak and one of the biggest controversies in modern football history sending the French to the World Cup at their expense.Under the stewardship of Giovanni Trapattoni Irish sorrow has turned to joy, it would seem the Italian has pa sed the test set by the Irish FA, qualification for the European Championships. An emphatic 5-1 win over Estonia was the cause of pandemonium on the streets of Ireland and the 11th of November was a sobering evening for the Irishfaithful.However Irelands preparation for the after-party that is the European Championships has been plagued withmisfortune.Various injury problems, and a difficult group limits Irish expectation significantly. In every tournament there is a so called Group of Death, and Trapattonis side may well have found it. Group C features the World Cup winners of 2010; Spain, the winners of the same competition in 2006; Italy and a Croatia side buoyed on by their succe s at the previous tournament.Injury i suesThe morning of the main squad announcement for a major international tournament is always a hectic affair, barring this morningsannouncements. Shock inclusions have been few and far between, the vast majority of managers have used the qualification stage of the tournament in order to decide their final squads, obviously with the exception of Poland, Ukraine and Roy Hodgsons England. It would seem that the only serious selection changes have been caused by misfortune off the pitch as opposed to ability on it; most famously Gareth Barry being sent home infavorof Evertons Phil Jakielka as a consequence of injury.Giovanni Trapattonis Ireland seem to be no exception to this rule. The Irish final 23 is almost identical to his initial squad, although injury has caused on key alteration; Wolves Kevin Foley being sent home infavorof Hulls Paul McShane. This will come as a di sapointment to many, Foley is very much seen as a utility player, somebody who can play in a variety of defensive positions as backup, and in this sense is an adequate alternative to selecting two players as defensive cover. However, Foley has had a tough season for Wolves, starting only half of their Premier League matches, and whilst he could have been a squad player for Ireland, would have by no means bedetrimentalto their performance at the Championships. McShane meanwhile, despite being widely considered throughout his Ireland career as a backup to those dropping out of the squad, has more experience Brenden Dillon Kids Jersey in the national side; making 26 appearances to Foleys 8. Equally McShane has endured a difficult season, being sent out of loan to Crystal Palace for half of it, but if called upon could do a decent enough job for the Irish cause.There has also been heartache for Birmingham Citys Keith Fahey who, despite joining up with the squad for training, will play no part in the competition. Whilst Faheys experience in the middle of the park will be a mi s, the club form of Derbys Paul Green, the man replacing him, in the early months of 2012 has been pleasing. He has seemingly overcome his injury problems that plagued him in 2011. The interest of Leeds United is a reflection of his form, and some may say his decision to reject a contract offer from Nigel Clough in favor of becoming a free agent shows furhter that Green can move on to bigger and better things.It would seem that these key injuries extended to those selected in the 23 man squad, perhaps mostworryinglyof all defensive minded players. Ironically, Paul McShane appears to be carrying a heal injury that needs inspection. Sunderlands John OShea was forced to pull out of Irelands friendly match against Bosnia, and will be of extreme concern, considering he is a dynamic defender whos Manchester United years have lead him to relish big games. Shay Given may also be of concern after picking up a knee i sue, although his return to training will encourage Trapattoni that his first choice goalkeeper will be ready to play Croatia on the 10th of June.Staying behindAs previously mentioned, the Irish squad has mostly been revised due to injuries, and as such there are not too many sitting at home, perfectly fit and raring to go who will feel theirexclusionfrom the squad was unjust. Kevin Kilbane, Paul McShanes Hull team mate, will feel di sapointed at the selection, but given his age may well be understanding of the decision to omit him despite many years of service to the national side. Jonny Brodzinski Kids Jersey Zinedine Killbane as he is known, has made over 100 appearances for Ireland, and embarked on an extraordinary run of 70 consecutive starts. However at the age of 35 he no longer has the legs to play at a major tournament and i sues with a back injury have restricted his playing time.Evertons Seamus Coleman will be devastated as being left out in favour of Hulls Paul McShane. The young defender is becoming more and more of a regular fixture in David Moyes team, and bearing in mind that he plays a very similar role to that of Kevin Foley; a right back/central midfielder, he will feel aggrieved at the decision, although his best international days are ahead of him and he is bound to be a key member of the squad in years to come.Whilst some might have expected Leon Bests 2011-2012 season to be spent fighting for a chance to play for Ireland, he has been in the shadows of Papis Ci se and Demba Ba in the Tyne and as such cannot be too di sapointed at his ommision, despite showing a fraction of his potential in the 2010-2011 season. Trapattoni is ble sed with options up front, and his Premier League counterparts, comprimising of Shane Long, Kevin Doyle, Simon Cox and John Walters, have each had stronger seasons than him and are worthy of their places in the team.Key menUnconfined with joy: Irish players rejoice at Keane's famous equalizer.As a lifelong follower of the Premier League, the name on the Irish team sheet that always stands out to me is Robbie Keane up front. The image of him performing a forward roll following his late equalizer against Germany in 2002 World Cup is iconic, and amongst the best moments in recent Irish history. He has proved fundamental to Irelands succe s in recent years, and as such must be considered one of the most important players Marc-Edouard Vlasic Jersey in their history. In a team based around the Italian stereotype of defensive mindedne s born out of Trapattonis managerial style, Keane is likely to get very few chances to score, although his cool first touch and lethal finish in the penalty area maximises his chances of snatching at chances and turning defeats into points for the Irish. Although Trapatonni has strikers in abundance, 5 to be precise, Keane will be first name on the team sheet if fit and ready to go. He also has the advantage, as some may see it, of being in the midst of LA Galaxys season as we speak. As such he should be in prime physical conditional and will not need to time to get back into the flow, as some other players who have had a small break might.However Ireland are, by no means, a one man team. If Keane is first choice up front, then there can be no denying that Shay Given is first choice in goal, even if he does have a slight injury knock. His recent form has been one of the few positives in Aston Villas turbulent season and he can be expected to have his work cut out this summer, as the likes of Fernando Torres, Llorente, Mario Balotelli and Nikica Jelavic will pester away at his goal and force him to transform his solid club form into international heroics. Certainly Given is just what the Irish would want, a reliable goalkeeper who can slightly ease the defensive fears and the fans nightmares at the star names facing them in the Group of Death. His Villa team mate Richard Dunne will be expected to carry out his usually tirele s defensive duties, as one of the only first choice Irish defenders fully fit and ready to go this summer.Fulhams Damien Duff is also a man of experience and undoubted ability. Despite his age, Duff appears to be first choice in the role as a right midfielder. Although he has a great cro s and shot on him, Duff is not renound for his technical ability. He is a workman who can also operate defensively. His willingne s to put in the miles will certainly be tested to the maximum when Ireland face Spain and Italy in the Timo Meier Women Jersey coming weeks. Duff is the caliber of player that aids Trapattonis defensive minded style, which has come under heavy scrutiny from the Irish faithful.The form of Aiden McGeady at Spartak Moscow may well have increased the expectation from Ireland fans. Scoring the winning goal against Bosnia on Saturday will have raised his confidence and the expectation placed upon him. A pacey winger of his type will be a huge help to an Ireland side who will look to break away with pace, in particular against Spain who are alledged to have struggled against similar players to McGeady.Squad in full:Goalkeepers; 1. Shay Given 16. Keiran Westwood 23. David FordeDefenders; 2. Sean St. Ledger 3. Stephen Ward 4. John OShea 5. Richard Dunne 12. Stephen Kelly 13. Paul McShane 18. Darren ODeaMidfielders; 6. Glen Whelan 7. Aiden McGeady 8.Kieth Andrews 11. Damien Duff 15. Darren Gibson 17. Stephen Hunt 21. Paul Green 22. James McLeanForwards; 9. Kevin Doyle 10. Robbie Keane 14. John Walters 19. Shane Long 20. Simon Cox
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