Delap not going to World Cup

Last updated : 07 May 2002 By Christian Kelly
Rory Delap will not be a part of Mick McCarthy's Republic of Ireland World Cup squad. A good recent run of form and an appearance in a friendly against the USA were not enough to secure a spot for Saints record signing.

Instead, McCarthy has gone for a tried and tested squad which took the country through the qualifiers.

The full squad is: Goalkeepers: Given (Newcastle), Kiely (Charlton), Kelly (Blackburn).

Defenders: Breen (Coventry), Cunningham (Wimbledon), Dunne (Man City), Finnan (Fulham), Harte (Leeds), Staunton (Aston Villa), Kelly (Leeds), O'Brien (Newcastle).

Midfielders: Holland (Ipswich), Roy Keane (Manchester United), Kilbane (Sunderland), Kinsella (Charlton), McAteer (Sunderland), Kennedy (Wolves), Carsley (Everton).

Forwards: Connolly (Wimbledon), Duff (Blackburn), Robbie Keane (Leeds), Morrison (Crystal Palace), Quinn (Sunderland).

On selecting the squad, McCarthy said: "This is the most enjoyable squad I have ever had to name."

"But there are always a couple of players you leave out who you have to tell, and it is a disappointment having to do that.

"It is not easy having to tell players they are not coming.

"I rang those five players yesterday to tell them. It was a cold way to do it, but it was the only way.

"Of course they were all disappointed because they all wanted to go, but they wished me all the best and I know they want us to do as well as possible.

"I also told them all that if I had any injury problems in the next couple of weeks then I may need to call on them."