Soccer

Darron Gibson and Anthony Stokes among seven cut from Ireland squad

Martin O’Neill announces streamlined 33-man squad for Switzerland and Slovakia friendlies

Darron Gibson is one of seven players cut from the Republic of Ireland squad for the friendly internationals against Switzerland and Slovakia in Dublin. Photograph: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

Sat Mar 19 2016 - 18:36

Republic of Ireland manager Martin O'Neill has cut seven players from his original 40-man squad for the upcoming friendlies against Switzerland and Slovakia, with Darron Gibson and Anthony Stokes among those who look like their hopes of Euro 2016 selection are over.

Four of the five uncapped players remain in the 33-strong squad, with Peterborough midfielder Chris Forrester missing out.

Wolves defender Matt Doherty, and the midfield trio of Alan Judge (Brentford), Eunan O'Kane (Bournemouth) and Aberdeen's Johnny Hayes are in line to win their first caps between the games on Good Friday against Switzerland and the following Tuesday's encounter against Slovakia, both of which take place at the Aviva Stadium.

Those missing out from the original selection are Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Kieren Westwood; Preston defender Greg Cunningham; midfielders Gibson, Forrester and Rotherham's Paul Green; and forwards Stokes and Reading's Simon Cox.

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Republic of Ireland squad for friendly internationals against Switzerland and Slovakia (*uncapped):

Goalkeepers (3): Darren Randolph (West Ham United), Rob Elliot (Newcastle United), David Forde (Millwall).

Defenders (10): Cyrus Christie (Derby County), Seamus Coleman (Everton), Richard Keogh (Derby County), John O'Shea (Sunderland), Alex Pearce (Bristol City), Shane Duffy (Blackburn Rovers), Ciaran Clark (Aston Villa), Paul McShane (Reading), Stephen Ward (Burnley), Matt Doherty (Wolverhampton Wanderers*).

Midfielders (16): Robbie Brady (Norwich City), James McCarthy (Everton), Jeff Hendrick (Derby County), Harry Arter (Bournemouth), Eunan O'Kane (Bournemouth*), Glenn Whelan (Stoke City), Stephen Gleeson (Birmingham City), David Meyler (Hull City), Stephen Quinn (Reading), Aiden McGeady (Sheffield Wednesday), James McClean (West Bromwich Albion), Alan Judge (Brentford*), Jonathan Hayes (Aberdeen*), Anthony Pilkington (Cardiff City), Jonathan Walters (Stoke City), Wes Hoolahan (Norwich City).

Forwards (4): Robbie Keane (LA Galaxy), Shane Long (Southampton), Daryl Murphy (Ipswich Town), Kevin Doyle (Colorado Rapids).

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