Rowlands Makes Ireland Squad
Tuesday, 8th Apr 2008 16:25

Martin Rowlands has been recalled to the Ireland squad for their forthcoming training camp and summer friendlies.

Rowly has been called up to a preliminary Republic of Ireland squad of 40 players, initially for a May training camp in the Algarve, which is then followed by two friendlies against Serbia and Columbia.

New Eire boss Giovanni Trapattoni and his assistants, Marco Tardelli and Liam Brady have picked the squad which eventually will be trimmed down to 28. All in all, Rowlands has thoroughly deserved this call up following a season of 42 appearances, including 7 goals. The R's midfielder, who has 3 International caps to his name so far, is also very hottly tipped to be crowned the QPR Supporters Player of the Year.

A delighted Rowlands told the Official QPR Website;

"It's a great honour and it shows my performances have been recognised by the new management team, but I need to continue playing well for QPR if I want to force my way in to the revised squad of 28.

I know Gigi (De Canio) spoke to Mr Trapattoni some time ago, but I'd like to think my own performances have warranted this call-up."

The Republic of Ireland Squad in full;

Goalkeepers: Given (Newcastle), Henderson (Preston North End), Kenny (Sheffield United), Randolph (Charlton Athletic/Bury), Colin Doyle (Birmingham City), Joe Murphy (Scunthorpe United)

Defenders: Kelly (Birmingham City), Dunne (Manchester City), Kilbane (Wigan Athletic), O'Shea (Manchester United), J. O'Brien (Bolton Wanderers), McShane (Sunderland), Foley (Wolves), O'Dea (Celtic).

Midfielders: Steven Reid (Blackburn Rovers), Miller (Sunderland), Ireland (Manchester City), Duff (Newcastle United), McGeady (Celtic), Andy Reid (Sunderland), Carsley (Everton), Gibson (Manchester United/Wolves), Hunt (Reading), Potter (Wolves), Garvan (Ipswich Town), Hoolahan (Blackpool), McPhail (Cardiff City), Rowlands (QPR), Whelan (Stoke City).

Forwards: Elliott (Wolves), Robbie Keane (Tottenham Hotspur), Kevin Doyle (Reading), Morrisson (Crystal Palace), Long (Reading), Andy Keogh (Wolves), Stokes (Sunderland), Murphy (Sunderland), Scannell (Crystal Palace), O'Donovan (Sunderland), Connolly (Sunderland).