Kenny Fills A Hole
By Ade O`Connor
February 9 2004
Sheffield United goalkeeper Paddy Kenny has been called up by Republic of Ireland manager Brian Kerr; as the Republic look to take on the World Champions, Brazil, at Lansdowne Road. Kenny, who qualifies via both his Irish born parents, declared for Ireland in late 2002.
By Ade O`Connor
February 9 2004
Sheffield United goalkeeper Paddy Kenny has been called up by Republic of Ireland manager Brian Kerr; as the Republic look to take on the World Champions, Brazil, at Lansdowne Road. Kenny, who qualifies via both his Irish born parents, declared for Ireland in late 2002.
The larger than life character is the only new cap amongst all of the squad of 23, which Brian Kerr calls upon to battle it out against Brazil.
With Nick Colgan unavailable due to injury, Kerr was left with only two currently fit ‘keepers, the first choice Shay Given and youngster Joe Murphy. Goalkeeping heavyweight, Kenny, should be ready to fill the gap left by Dean Kiely and Alan Kelly’s retirement from International football.
The Ireland boss also placed a heavy emphasis on Kenny’s run in between the sticks at Brammal Lane.
The Blade shot stopper leapt ahead of the likes of Graham Stack and Dean Delaney on the basis that he was playing regular football with his club, whereas others have recently found themselves mostly consigned to the bench.
Elsewhere in the squad, Jason McAteer returns to the fray after months without involvement due to injury.
Some had believed the Sunderland midfielders international career had come to a close, but Kerr has identified the right of midfield as a weakness and is prepared to allow experienced McAteer another chance to perform.
Nottingham Forest maestro Andy Reid, who has continued to add to his reputation despite his club sides’ desperate form, retains his place in the squad after impressing on his debut. Reid was rumoured to be heading for a Premiership move, but will spend the rest of the season at Forest at least.
Familiar faces such as Lee Carsley and David Connolly return to the fold after recovering from injury, while Alan Lee should get another chance to Ireland’s problem of finding a partner for on-fire Robbie Keane.
Despite still being considered a youngster on paper, Keane has matured into a true talisman for Ireland and Tottenham; Kerr will once again look to Keane to lead Ireland into battle. Keane has scored 6 goals in his last 5 games for the White Hart Lane club.
Damien Duff, Keane’s former frontline partner, is unlikely to make an appearance as he is nursing an injury – and is now considered one of the first names on the team sheet at the Stamford Bridge billionaire’s club.
However, Duff will be itching to make an impression against the best in the World, as Ireland will not be competing in Portugal later this year.
Others on the injured list include Steven Reid, Gary Breen, Liam Miller and Colin Healy. Of those injured, Healy is the most serious, after sustaining a terrible broken leg playing for Sunderland.
The Republic of Ireland squad to play Brazil at Lansdowne Road on Wednesday 18th February 2004:
Given (Newcastle)
Kenny (Sheffield United)
Murphy (WBA)
Carr (Tottenham)
Cunningham (Birmingham)
Doherty (Tottenham)
Dunne (Manchester City)
Finnan (Liverpool)
Harte (Leeds)
O'Brien (Newcastle)
O'Shea (Manchester United)
Carsley (Everton)
Delap (Southampton)
Holland (Charlton)
Kavanagh (Cardiff)
Kilbane (Everton)
McAteer (Sunderland)
Reid (Forest)
Connolly (West Ham)
Duff (Chelsea)
Keane (Tottenham)
Lee (Cardiff)
Morrison (Birmingham)
With Nick Colgan unavailable due to injury, Kerr was left with only two currently fit ‘keepers, the first choice Shay Given and youngster Joe Murphy. Goalkeeping heavyweight, Kenny, should be ready to fill the gap left by Dean Kiely and Alan Kelly’s retirement from International football.
The Ireland boss also placed a heavy emphasis on Kenny’s run in between the sticks at Brammal Lane.
The Blade shot stopper leapt ahead of the likes of Graham Stack and Dean Delaney on the basis that he was playing regular football with his club, whereas others have recently found themselves mostly consigned to the bench.
Elsewhere in the squad, Jason McAteer returns to the fray after months without involvement due to injury.
Some had believed the Sunderland midfielders international career had come to a close, but Kerr has identified the right of midfield as a weakness and is prepared to allow experienced McAteer another chance to perform.
Nottingham Forest maestro Andy Reid, who has continued to add to his reputation despite his club sides’ desperate form, retains his place in the squad after impressing on his debut. Reid was rumoured to be heading for a Premiership move, but will spend the rest of the season at Forest at least.
Familiar faces such as Lee Carsley and David Connolly return to the fold after recovering from injury, while Alan Lee should get another chance to Ireland’s problem of finding a partner for on-fire Robbie Keane.
Despite still being considered a youngster on paper, Keane has matured into a true talisman for Ireland and Tottenham; Kerr will once again look to Keane to lead Ireland into battle. Keane has scored 6 goals in his last 5 games for the White Hart Lane club.
Damien Duff, Keane’s former frontline partner, is unlikely to make an appearance as he is nursing an injury – and is now considered one of the first names on the team sheet at the Stamford Bridge billionaire’s club.
However, Duff will be itching to make an impression against the best in the World, as Ireland will not be competing in Portugal later this year.
Others on the injured list include Steven Reid, Gary Breen, Liam Miller and Colin Healy. Of those injured, Healy is the most serious, after sustaining a terrible broken leg playing for Sunderland.
The Republic of Ireland squad to play Brazil at Lansdowne Road on Wednesday 18th February 2004:
Given (Newcastle)
Kenny (Sheffield United)
Murphy (WBA)
Carr (Tottenham)
Cunningham (Birmingham)
Doherty (Tottenham)
Dunne (Manchester City)
Finnan (Liverpool)
Harte (Leeds)
O'Brien (Newcastle)
O'Shea (Manchester United)
Carsley (Everton)
Delap (Southampton)
Holland (Charlton)
Kavanagh (Cardiff)
Kilbane (Everton)
McAteer (Sunderland)
Reid (Forest)
Connolly (West Ham)
Duff (Chelsea)
Keane (Tottenham)
Lee (Cardiff)
Morrison (Birmingham)
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