TEAMS: Republic of Ireland

The Republic Of Ireland made the World Cup after beating Iran in a tense two-legged play-off. Qualification was thoroughly deserved after Ireland were again drawn in a tough qualifying group along with the world heavyweights Portugal and Holland. It is a tribute to the Irish that they were unbeaten in the group and only missed out on automatic qualification on goal difference.

Despite the loss of Roy Keane, the Republic of Ireland have what it takes to be a success at the World Cup and maybe repeat the memorable quarter-final heroics of Italia 90.

The Squad

Shay Given** Position: GK DOB:20/4/76 Club: Newcastle	Alan Kelly Position: GK DOB:11/8/68 Club: Blackburn	Dean Kiely Position: GK DOB:10/10/70 Club: Charlton
Steve Staunton Position: DF DOB:19/1/69 Club: Aston Villa	Steve Finnan** Position: DF DOB:20/4/76 Club: Fulham	Ian Harte Position: DF DOB:31/8/77 Club: Leeds
Gary Breen Position: DF DOB:12/12/73 Club: Coventry	Kenny Cunningham Position: DF DOB:28/6/71 Club:Wimbledon	Gary Kelly Position: DF DOB:9/7/74 Club: Leeds
Richard Dunne Position: DF DOB:21/9/79 Club: Man City	Andy O'Brien** Position: DF DOB:29/6/79 Club: Newcastle	Jason McAteer Position: MID DOB:18/6/71 Club: Sunderland
Mark Kinsella Position: MID DOB:12/8/72 Club: Charlton	Matt Holland Position: MID DOB:11/4/74 Club: Ipswich	Kevin Kilbane Position: MID DOB:1/2/77 Club: Sunderland
Mark Kennedy Position: MID DOB:15/5/76 Club: Wolves	Lee Carsley Position: MID DOB:28/2/74 Club: Everton	Clinton Morrison Position: FW DOB:14/5/79 Club: Crystal Palace
Robbie Keane** Position: FW DOB:8/7/80 Club: Leeds	Niall Quinn Position: FW DOB:6/10/66 Club: Sunderland	Damien Duff** Position: FW DOB:2/3/79 Club: Blackburn
David Connolly Position: FW DOB:6/6/77 Club: Wimbledon

KEY: (GK-Goalkeeper, DF-Defender, MID-Midfield, FW-Forward)
**player to watch