Dunne on standby for qualifiers

Richard Dunne has been placed on standby for the Republic of Ireland alongside Manchester United's Robbie Brady ahead of next month's World Cup qualifiers against Germany and the Faroe Islands.

The defender has yet to make an appearance for Aston Villa this season due to a groin injury, with the club recently saying that they are baffled by why he hasn't recovered yet.

Ireland take on the Germans at the Aviva on October 12 before travelling to Torshavn to face the Faroes, a side formerly managed by ex-Irish boss Brian Kerr.

Elsewhere, there was no place in the squad for Sunderland midfielder David Meyler, despite an impressive performance against Oman at Craven Cottage in the team's most recent game alongside United starlet Brady. 

As expected, Keith Andrews and Keith Fahey have both been returned to the squad, following suspension and injury respectively, after missing the unconvincing Kazakhstan win last month, though there was no room for Joey O'Brien or Alex Pearce.

Speaking in Dublin today, Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni said: "As we face these important games, we will hope to build on the three points we gained in Kazakhstan. Our first game against Germany will be a difficult challenge and the home support will play an important part. We must also remember that we have two matches, and we will be focussing on every detail to pick up points on our journey to qualification for Brazil.” 

The full squad:

Goalkeepers: Westwood, Forde, Randolph.

Defenders: Wilson, O’Shea, St. Ledger, O’Dea, Ward, Kelly, McShane.

Midfielders: Whelan, McCarthy, Andrews, Fahey, Coleman, McGeady, Keogh, McClean.

Strikers: Keane, Doyle, Long, Cox, Walters.

Standby: Dunne, Brady.