No new faces in Ireland squad to face Oman and Serbia

Martin O'Neill has stuck to tried and trusted for the Republic of Ireland's forthcoming friendly against Oman and opening World Cup qualifier against Serbia.

 

O'Neill has elect to retain 21 of the squad to compete at Euro 2016 in France this summer in his 28-man selection, with the retired Shay Given and the suspended Shane Duffy the only omissions.

 

Goalkeeper David Forde – who narrowly missed out to Given in the final selection for France- has been recalled despite being sent on a season-long loan from Millwall to League Two Portsmouth.

 

There are also recalls for Alex Pearce, Paul McShane, and Eunan O'Kane, while Harry Arter and Marc Wilson return after missing the summer's action with injury.

 

18-year-old Bristol City winger Callum O'Dowda is also recalled after impressing on his debut in the pre-tournament friendly against Belarus at Turners Cross.

 



In spite of their impressive performances in qualifying for the Europa League group stages, there's no room for any member of Dundalk's squad, nor for Champions League-bound Eoghan O'Connell.

 

"After the excitement of UEFA Euro2 016 it seems as if we had little time to enjoy some excellent performances during that tournament," said O'Neill.

 

"The World Cup qualifying campaign is already upon us and we have a difficult set of fixtures in the coming months.

 



"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."

 

The Oman game will be the last in a green shirt for record goalscorer Robbie Keane, who announced he will retire from international football following his 146th cap.