Ireland stick with familiar faces for World Cup

Ireland coach Mick McCarthy named his 23-man squad for the World Cup finals on Tuesday, keeping faith with the group of players who secured qualification.

Steve Staunton, who has played for Ireland 97 times, remains on course to become the first Irishman to win 100 caps after being named among the eight defenders in the squad.

But there was no place for Celtic's Colin Healy, Millwall's Stephen Reid or Tottenham Hotspur's Gary Doherty despite impressive performances in recent friendlies.

Ireland's World Cup campaign begins against Cameroon in Nigata on June 1. Germany and Saudi Arabia are also in group E.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Shay Given (Newcastle United), Alan Kelly (Blackburn Rovers), Dean Kiely (Charlton Athletic).

Defenders: Steve Finnan (Fulham), Ian Harte (Leeds United) Gary Kelly (Leeds United), Steve Staunton (Aston Villa), Kenny Cunningham (Wimbledon), Richard Dunne (Manchester City), Gary Breen (Coventry City), Andy O'Brien (Newcastle United).

Midfielders: Roy Keane (Manchester United), Mark Kinsella (Charlton Athletic), Matt Holland (Ipswich), Kevin Kilbane (Sunderland), Mark Kennedy (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Lee Carsley (Everton), Jason McAteer (Sunderland).