By Paul Doyle
Richard Sadlier today won recognition for his impressive recent form when Mick McCarthy called him up to the Republic of Ireland squad to face Russia at Lansdowne Road next Wednesday. Twenty-one year old Colin Healy was also selected for the first time.
Sadlier has been particularly eye-catching of late and the 23 year-old Dubliner, who has hit 14 goals in England's Division One so far this season, will travel back to his native Dublin next week with another Millwall man, midfielder Steven Reid.
Cork-born Healy has been a consistently strong performer for the Irish U-21s but last week had to move on a one-month loan to Coventry City in a bid to get regular first-team football. He has played just four times for Celtic this season.
"Since coming back after a lengthy spell with injuries, Sadlier has done very well for Millwall this season and he has scored 17 goals for his club." explained McCarthy, "I watched Colin Healy in action for Coventry against Crystal Palace last week and he did very well for his new side."
Another player currently excelling in Division One is Wolves winger Mark Kennedy, who makes the squad despite his recent court appearnce.
The Full squad is:
Given (Newcastle), Kiely (Charlton), A Kelly (Blackburn), Finnan (Fulham), G Kelly (Leeds), Breen (Coventry), Cunningham (Wimbledon), Dunne (Man City), Staunton (Aston Villa), O'Brien (Newcastle), Harte (Leeds), McAteer (Sunderland), Roy Keane (Man Utd), Holland (Ipswich), Kennedy (Wolves), Kilbane (Sunderland), Reid (Millwall), Carsley (Coventry), Healy (Coventry), Quinn (Sunderland), Morrison (Crystal Palace), Sadlier (Millwall), Robbie Keane (Leeds), Duff (Blackburn).