Finnan returns to international fold

(GETTY IMAGES)

Liverpool defender Steve Finnan has been recalled to the Republic of Ireland squad for the friendly against Norway on 20 August having previously announced his retirement from international football.

Finnan is among six players recalled by manager Giovanni Trapattoni for the match in Oslo who did not take part in the May internationals against Serbia and Colombia.

Trapattoni has praised Finnan for returning to the fold but also confirmed Bolton's Andy O'Brien will not be reversing his decision to quit playing for the Republic.

Trapattoni told the Football Association of Ireland website: "I am happy that Steve Finnan has agreed to return to international football. He is an experienced player and he still has a lot to give to the team.

"I respect Andy O'Brien's decision and I thank him for letting us know. Stephen Ireland has told us he is not yet ready to make himself available but has indicated that he may do so in the future. As I have said before, my door remains open."

Trapattoni is using the Norway game to prepare for the 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign which begins next month.

He said: "We will have several days together which will be very important. We have a lot of work to do but I am looking forward to it."

Squad:

Given (Newcastle), Kiely (West Brom), Bruce (Ipswich), Delaney (QPR), Dunne (Manchester City), Finnan (Liverpool), Foley (Wolves), Kilbane (Wigan), J O'Brien (Bolton), O'Shea (Manchester United), Duff (Newcastle), Hunt (Reading), McGeady (Celtic), Miller (Sunderland), A Reid (Sunderland), S Reid (Blackburn), Whelan (Stoke), Doyle (Reading), Keane (Liverpool), Keogh (Wolves), Long (Reading), Murphy (Sunderland).