Trapattoni announces preliminary squad for Norway clash

Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni has announced a preliminary 27-man squad for the upcoming friendly against Norway.

Stephen Hunt, Caleb Folan and Keith Treacy return to the squad, while Stoke City forward Jonathan Walters receives his first senior call-up.

“This friendly is a good opportunity to bring some players that we have not seen much of into the squad. It is their chance to show me what they can contribute to the team,” said Trapattoni.

“Friendlies are extremely important for us to continue to build the strongest squad possible for the European qualifiers.”

Ireland squad for friendly against Norway at the Aviva Stadium on 17 November: Shay Given, Keiren Westwood, John O'Shea, Seamus Coleman, Richard Dunne, Sean St. Ledger, Greg Cunningham, Kevin Foley, Paul McShane, Kevin Kilbane, Stephen Kelly, Darren O'Dea, Marc Wilson, Darron Gibson, Glenn Whelan, Paul Green, Liam Lawrence, Stephen Hunt, Aiden McGeady, Keith Treacy, Damien Duff, Keith Fahey, Jonathan Walters, Robbie Keane, Kevin Doyle, Caleb Folan, Shane Long