Glen Crowe has won two Republic of Ireland caps

Bohemians striker Glen Crowe has retained his place in the 23-man Republic of Ireland squad for the Euro 2004 qualifying games against Albania and Georgia.

The Irish squad is minus injured defenders Steve Finnan and Andy O'Brien but it is the inclusion of the Eircom League striker which will be the big talking point.

Crowe was part of a five-day training get-together held last week as part of the build-up to the ties against Albania on 7 June 7 and Georgia on 11 June.

The Dubliner won his first senior cap for the Republic against Greece in the scoreless draw in Athens last November and came on as a late sub in the win over Norway in April.

Back in the squad for the two games at Lansdowne Road are goalkeeper Nick Colgan (Hibernian) and Celtic's want-away midfielder Colin Healy.

As the Scottish league season had not finished last week neither player was considered for Brian Kerr's training sessions in Dublin.

Also in the squad are goalkeeper Joe Murphy (West Brom) and Steven Reid (Millwall), both of whom joined the training squad late last week having remained with their clubs for treatment to injuries.

Absent Finnan and O'Brien did not travel to Dublin last week because of injury.

Finnan has a pelvic complaint while O'Brien is still recovering from the effects of surgery on his broken nose.

Ireland are tied for last in Group 10 with four points.