THE most difficult decision of Mick McCarthy's managerial career yesterday saw Paul McGrath excluded from the 20 players he will take to Liechtenstein for the start of the Republic of Ireland's World Cup programme on Saturday.

McGrath is dropped for the first time in his record breaking career from a squad which features no fewer than eight of the players whom the new manager introduced during his end of season programme.

Among them is Aston Villa's Gareth Farrelly and the emerging Leeds United defender, Ian Harte who could celebrate his 19th birthday on Saturday with a World Cup debut.

Inevitably, however, it was the demotion of McGrath, an enduring link in the evolution of the national team over the last 10 years, which dominated discussion when McCarthy met the assembled press to announce his squad.

Less than an hour earlier, it seems, he had informed the Aston Villa player of his decision to omit him and the sense of occasion was tangible.

"Its always difficult telling players they're not wanted and never more so than in this instance," said McCarthy. "Paul and I go back a long way, been through a lot of things together and now I was telling him he was out.

"He's now 36 and at that age, you need to be playing regular first team football to stay sharp. Unfortunately, he hasn't started a game for Villa this season and that falls a long way short of the preparation needed for World Cup football.

"I could have taken him along for the trip and sat him on the bench but I didn't see any point in that. I'd sooner have one of the kids along and let them learn from the experience.

"Paul took it very well and I told him that if his situation changes at Villa, I'll keep an open mind on his future.

McGrath, who missed the bulk of the warm up programme last season, was not available for comment and shortly after the announcement, he left the team hotel to catch a flight back to England.

Also out are Alan Kernaghan and Liam Daish, who at different times over the last few years, have been tipped as the men most likely to benefit when time eventually ran out on McGrath.

Both players were in the squad which toured America in June when Kernaghan, at the highpoint of an international career which has never taken off in the expected manner, captained the team to a 3-1 win over Bolivia in the Giants Stadium in New Jersey.

Their places now go to Kenny Cunningham, a defender whom McCarthy has always admired since his time in charge of Millwall, and the highly rated Birmingham City player, Gary Breen.

In the assumption that Liverpool's Phil Babb is certain to play. McCarthy will pick the other two places in defence from Breen, Cunningham and Denis Irwin, the Manchester United full back whom McCarthy could now use in a central role.

Farrelly, who enjoyed a successful introduction to international football against Croatia, will provide the cover in central midfield where in addition to Andy Townsend, the manager has the option of using Jason McAteer and the rejuvenated Alan McLoughlin.

Also in are Alan Moore and the exciting Norwich City prospect, Keith O'Neill who, after scoring three times in six starts, may deliver a strong challenge for the front running position which John Aldridge filled in other years.

Harte, one suspects, owes his place to the absence of the injured Terry Phelan but he will not be accompanied on the trip, as many had anticipated, by his uncle, Gary Kelly.

Kelly, who was introduced as a second half substitute during Leeds United's win over Wimbledon on Monday, has been experiencing problems with his knee in recent weeks and is now booked into hospital for a scan.