Leon Best has won a return to the Republic squad

Newcastle striker Leon Best has been recalled to the Republic of Ireland squad for the Carling Nations Cup game against Wales at the Aviva Stadium.

The 24-year-old, whose appearances for the Magpies have been limited by injury until recently, has been included in a provisional party of 29 for the match.

Aston Villa defender Ciaran Clark is expected to report for the first time.

Clark had to withdraw from the squad for the November friendly against Norway through injury.

Best marked his first senior start of the season with a Premier League hat-trick against West Ham on 5 January, his first goals for the St James' Park club.

The game in Dublin will be used as preparation for the resumption of the Republic's Euro 2012 qualifying campaign against Macedonia in March.

Manager Giovanni Trapattoni said he is looking forward to the Carling Nations Cup game against Wales.

"This competition provides our players with familiar and tough opponents, and the added competitive edge to the tournament is the perfect preparation for the Euro qualifying campaign."

Republic of Ireland squad: Given (Manchester City), Westwood (Coventry), O'Shea (Manchester Utd), Clark (Aston Villa), Coleman (Everton), Dunne (Aston Villa), St Ledger (Preston), Foley (Wolves), Kilbane (Huddersfield), Kelly (Fulham), O'Dea (Ipswich), McShane (Hull), Wilson (Stoke), Gibson (Manchester Utd), Whelan (Stoke), Green (Derby), Lawrence (Portsmouth), Hunt (Wolves), McGeady (Spartak Moscow), Treacy (Preston), Duff (Fulham), Fahey (Birmingham City), Keane (Tottenham), Walters (Stoke), Doyle (Wolves), Long (Reading), Keogh (Cardiff), Best (Newcastle), Stokes (Celtic).

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