By Ade O'Connor
August 29 2002

Ireland have named their squad to face Russia in their first Euro 2004 qualifying match in Moscow. The squad for the match, which takes place on September 7, has no great surprises, but the return of the disgraced Phil Babb. The Sunderland defender was involved in an incident in the nights before the qualifying match for the World Cup against Holland in Dublin. Now the player finds himself back in the international fold for the first time in 2 years, ahead of Andy O`Brien and Richard Dunne.

Phil Babb is one of four players who are now available for selection following their injuries, which forced them out from the Finland game. Clinton Morrison is now fit to take his place amongst the Republic front line, whilst talented right back Steve Finnan regains his place in the squad. John O`Shea forfeits his spot as under 21 captain, to stake his place in Irelands main starting eleven.

However, the squad is still missing the likes of Steven Carr from Tottenham and Richard Sadlier and Steven Reid of Millwall. Despite this, McCarthy will go into the game with maximum confidence after a successful and impressive World Cup campaign in Japan and Korea.

The issue of the next Irish captain is as of yet unresolved, with Jason McAteer now looking an even likelier candidate, but Gary Breen and Kenny Cunningham may still stake a claim for the armband.

The Squad in full:

Goalkeepers:
Shay Given (Newcastle)
Dean Kiely (Charlton)
Nick Colgan (Hibernian)

Defenders:
Ian Harte (Leeds)
Gary Breen (West Ham)
Gary Kelly (Leeds)
Kenny Cunningham (Birmingham)
Steve Finnan (Fulham)
Phil Babb (Sunderland)
John O`Shea (Man Utd.)

Midfielders:
Jason McAteer (Sunderland)
Matt Holland (Ipswich)
Kevin Kilbane (Sunderland)
Colin Healy (Celtic)
Lee Carsley (Everton)
Mark Kinsella (Aston Villa)
Rory Delap (Southampton)
Stephen McPhail (Leeds)

Strikers:
Damian Duff (Blackburn)
Robbie Keane (Leeds)
Clinton Morrison (Birmingham)
Gary Docherty (Tottenham)