Stephen Ireland had an excellent 2008/9 season at Manchester City

Manchester City's Stephen Ireland remains out of the Republic of Ireland picture for the friendly against Australia at Thomond Park on 12 August.

There have been recent murmurings suggesting that there has been contact between the midfielder and Republic manager Giovanni Trapattoni.

But for now, Ireland is maintaining his exile from the international stage.

Steven Reid, out of action since October because of injury, is one of three players on stand-by for the game.

Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce is hoping that Reid will be available for the start of the Premier League season on 15 August.

Alex Bruce and Damien Delaney are also on stand-by for the friendly in Limerick after not being included in Trapattoni's 24-man squad.

Suggestions that Steve Finnan might return to the squad have proved wide of the mark.

The former Liverpool right-back is being linked with a return to the Premier League with Portsmouth after being released by Spanish club Espanyol.

606: DEBATE Stephen Ireland has opted out. Please respect his decision dublinhammer

The panel contains no major surprises with Andy Reid still out of favour and goalkeeper Dean Kiely not involved after his walkout from the squad prior to the friendly against Nigeria in May.

Ireland pulled out of the Republic squad prior to a Euro 2008 qualifier against the Czech Republic in September 2007 and he has not played for his country since then.

He withdrew from the squad for the Prague game, initially citing the passing of his maternal grandmother, and then the death of his paternal one, before it emerged that his girlfriend had suffered a miscarriage.

Trapattoni said that the Limerick game would be of "utmost importance to our side as it acts as our final game ahead of our World Cup qualifier against Cyprus in Nicosia in September".

"Australia, who have already qualified for the World Cup, will provide a stern test for the team as Pim Verbeek and his team have advanced through the Asian World Cup qualifiers undefeated in the final qualification phase," added the Italian.

"I am looking forward to playing an international friendly of this stature at the magnificent Thomond Park in Limerick.

"I am aware of the proud sporting culture in Limerick and I am sure that the people of Munster will get behind the team for this game."

Republic of Ireland squad

Goalkeepers: Given (Man City), Westwood (Coventry), Murphy (Scunthorpe)

Defenders: O'Shea (Manchester United), Dunne (Manchester City), Kelly (Fulham), Kilbane (Hull), Foley (Wolves), Nolan (Preston), St Ledger (Preston)

Midfielders: McGeady (Celtic), Andrews (Blackburn), Gibson (Manchester United), Whelan (Stoke), Duff (Newcastle), S Hunt (Reading), Miller (unattached), Keogh (Wolves), Lawrence (Stoke)

Forwards: Keane (Tottenham), Doyle (Wolves), Folan (Hull), Long (Reading), Best (Coventry)

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