Steve Finnan is back for the 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign

Republic of Ireland defender Steve Finnan has come out of international retirement after being named in the squad to play Norway next Wednesday.

Republic boss Giovanni Trapattoni has persuaded the 31-year-old to make a return and Finnan is one of six players recalled for the friendly in Oslo.

However, Bolton's Andy O'Brien has not reversed his decision to retire.

Stephen Ireland has not made himself available but has indicated he could make a comeback for the Republic.

The Manchester City midfielder said in February that he wants to play for his country again.

Ireland has not played for the Republic since his infamous withdrawal from the squad last September when he lied about the death of his two grandmothers.

Finnan retired in January, citing the fact that he would be 34 by the time the 2010 World Cup finals come around.

Trotters defender O'Brien, 28, followed suit in February.

Trapattoni has praised Finnan for returning to the fold.

We will have several days together, which will be very important. Giovanni Trapattoni

He 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."

Republic of Ireland 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).