By Ade O'Connor
August 28 2003

Ireland manager Brian Kerr has recalled Steven Reid, Lee Carsley, Stephen McPhail and Alan Lee to his squad for the vital Euro 2004 qualifying match against Russia on Saturday September 6. Robbie Keane, however, misses out with the injury he sustained versus Australia last week. Steven Reid, now of Blackburn Rovers, returns from the ankle injury at the time of the Australia friendly, while Lee Carsley has successfully overcome a knee injury, and is no doubt keen to help his country’s cause.

Stephen McPhail made his Nottingham Forest debut in impressive style last night, following his 3-month loan move to the club. Brian Kerr was in the stands to witness a solid performance by the 23 year old.

In the same game, under 21 player Andy Reid continued his good form, scoring two good goals and letting Kerr know that he may not be ignored for much longer. John Thompson put on a sound display in defence.

Alan Lee comes in for the injured Robbie Keane, after making his £850,000 move to Cardiff City from Rotherham United. Keane should be ready to return in time for the final qualifying match against Switzerland however.

When the players meet up in Dublin next week, Kerr will begin to ponder over his tactics, formation and selection in preparation for his biggest match since he took over from Mick McCarthy.

A victory would put Ireland in a good position for a play-off spot, and a further victory against the Swiss would see them qualify automatically.

The state of Group 10 can be analysed on the league table, the link is provided below this article or on the sidebar.


The Republic of Ireland squad to play Russia in the European Championships 2004 qualifier at Lansdowne Road on September 6 (kick off 3pm Irish time/BST):

Breen (Sunderland)
Carr (Tottenham Hotspur)
Carsley (Everton)
Colgan (Stockport County)
Connolly (West Ham United)
Cunningham (Birmingham City)
Doherty (Tottenham Hotspur)
Duff (Chelsea)
Dunne (Manchester City)
Finnan (Liverpool)
Given (Newcastle United)
Harte (Leeds United)
Healy (Sunderland)
Holland (Charlton Athletic)
Kilbane (Sunderland)
Kinsella (Aston Villa)
Lee (Cardiff City)
McPhail (Nottingham Forest)
Morrison (Birmingham City)
Murphy (West Bromwich Albion)
O'Brien (Newcastle United)
O'Shea (Manchester United)
Quinn (Sheffield Wednesday)
Reid (Blackburn Rovers)