James McClean left out of Ireland squad

By Robert Summerscales, Reporter | 11 February 2012

Sunderland midfielder James McClean is not selected for Ireland's friendly with Czech Republic and Giovanni Trapattoni does not expect to take the player to Euro 2012.

In-form Sunderland winger James McClean is unlikely to be named in Republic of Ireland's Euro 2012 squad after Giovanni Trapattoni reiterated his intention to take an experienced squad to Poland and Ukraine.

After omitting him from the squad for this month's friendly with Czech Republic, the Italian spoke with the 22-year-old to reassure him that he, and the new generation, will be given a chance to shine in the autumn.

Trapattoni also suggested that Anthony Pilkington, Robbie Brady and Shane Duffy can all expect to be involved after the tournament, should they continue their impressive club form.

Ireland squad to face Czech Republic:

Shay Given, Keiren Westwood, David Forde; John O'Shea, Stephen Kelly, Stephen Ward, Richard Dunne, Sean St Ledger, Darren O'Dea, Kevin Foley; Glenn Whelan, James McCarthy, Seamus Coleman, Keith Andrews, Keith Fahey, Darron Gibson, Damien Duff, Aiden McGeady, Stephen Hunt; Robbie Keane, Kevin Doyle, Shane Long, Simon Cox, Jonathan Walters