Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trappatoni sprung a surprise after naming Shane
Long upfront for their 2012 Euro qualifier against Slovakia tomorrow night alongside
Robbie Keane who usually was partnered by Kevin Doyle, the only other change is Stephen Ward who
replace's injured Kevin Kilbane who misses out for the first time in 12 years in Competitive action
for the Republic.
Ireland striker Shane Long has been reassured that he will be a Premier League player next season,
despite Reading's heart-breaking play-off final defeat on Monday.
The Tipperary born player was reunited with the Irish squad on Tuesday afternoon, 24 hours after
his Royals top flight dream was killed off by Swansea City.
Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni has announced a provisional 33 man selection from which a squad
will be chosen to face Nigel Worthington's IFA team on May 24 and Scotland on May 29 in the Carling
Nations Cup followed by the Euro 2012 qualifier against Macedonia on June 4.
Ireland squad
Given (Man City), Westwood (Coventry), Forde (Millwall); Dunne (Aston Villa), O'Shea (Man Utd),
Foley (Wolves), Delaney (Ipswich), Clark (Aston Villa), Coleman (Everton), Kilbane (Huddersfield),
Kelly (Fulham), McShane (Hull); McCarthy (Wigan), Whelan (Stoke), Wilson (Stoke), Gibson (Man Utd),
McGeady (Spartak Moscow), Fahey (Birmingham), Lawrence (Portsmouth), Treacy (Preston), Hunt
(Wolves), Ward (Wolves); Keogh (Wolves), Stokes (Celtic) Folan (Colorado Rapids), Walters (Stoke),
Keane (West Ham), Long (Reading).
After another round of qualifying for Euro's 2012 it is no surprise to see holders and world
champions Spain on maximum points along with Germany and the Netherlands. Italy and Greece remain
unbeaten after five games while Slovakia are flying high as they bid to reach their first European
Championship.
