BBC SPORT | Football | O'Shea makes step up

John O'Shea has been promoted to the senior Republic of Ireland squad for the opening Group 10 European Championship qualifier against Russia.

The Manchester United centre-half is named in a 25-man squad for the match at the Lokomotiv Stadium in Moscow on 7 September.

Manager Mick McCarthy has also recalled Sunderland defender Phil Babb after two years in international exile.

Waterford-born O'Shea had one previous full cap for Ireland when he was brought on as a late substitute in the 2-2 draw with Croatia in August last year.

McCarthy has no doubt that O'Shea has the ability to make the grade at the highest level after catching the eye both in the Under-21s and for his club.

"I know that Sir Alex Ferguson speaks highly of young John," said the Republic manager.

"At 21, he is a very good player and will get even better with experience.

"O'Shea has all the attributes to be a top class defender. He has the necessary height and is comfortable on the ball - but that does not mean he will start against the Russians.

Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy
McCarthy rates O'Shea as a very good player

"Birmingham's Kenny Cunningham and West Ham's Gary Breen will be my starting central defensive partnership.

"Newcastle's Andy O'Brien and Manchester City's Richard Dunne were not considered for this game as they have not been playing regular first-team football for their clubs."

McCarthy checked with Sunderland boss Peter Reid and former Irish international striker Niall Quinn before deciding to bring Babb back in from the cold.

Babb won the last of his 34 caps in the 2-1 victory over South Africa at the Giants Stadium, New Jersey, in June 2000.

Then in September, he was called up for the Republic's opening World Cup qualifier against Holland in Amsterdam.

But two days prior to departure from Dublin for that game, Babb was arrested along with Wolves winger Mark Kennedy following a late-night incident in a Dublin street.

Both players were sent home in disgrace to their clubs and did not travel with the rest of party to Holland for a game which finished 2-2.

McCarthy has been impressed with Babb's form following his return to the Premiership after a spell in Europe.

"Phil had two good years in Portugal with Sporting Lisbon and has had a good start to the season - especially against Leeds United on Wednesday night," said McCarthy.

Tottenham defender Stephen Carr and Millwall duo Steven Reid and Richard Sadlier, as well as Kennedy, were not considered because of injuries.

Republic squad (v Russia): Given (Newcastle), Kiely (Charlton), Colgan (Hibernian); Harte (Leeds), Breen (West Ham), Kelly (Leeds), Cunningham (Birmingham), Finnan (Fulham), O'Shea (Manchester United), Babb (Sunderland); McAteer (Sunderland), Holland (Ipswich), Kilbane (Sunderland), Healy (Celtic), Kinsella (Aston Villa), Carsley (Everton), Delap (Southampton), McPhail (Leeds); Robbie Keane (Leeds), Morrison (Birmingham), Duff (Blackburn), Doherty (Tottenham).


	Links to more Football stories