Ireland recall long-term absentees

Joey O'Brien and Stephen Elliott have returned to the Republic of Ireland squad after lengthy absences for the qualifiers against Germany and Cyprus.

Injury problems
Defender O'Brien has been out of action for 16 months with a knee injury and has only just regained full fitness. Manager Stephen Staunton said: "Joey is a player that has a lot of potential and I am delighted that he has put his injury problems behind him." Forward Elliot has not played since Ireland lost 1-0 to Germany 13 months ago. Ireland are third in Group D but wins in home games against Germany on 13 October and Cyprus four days later could give them a slender hope of qualifying.

Republic of Ireland squad
Goalkeepers: Shay Given (Newcastle United FC), Nick Colgan (Barnsley FC), Colin Doyle (Birmingham City FC).

Defenders: Stephen Carr (Newcastle United FC), Richard Dunne (Manchester City FC), Steve Finnan (Liverpool FC), Stephen Kelly ( Birmingham City FC), Paul McShane (Sunderland AFC), Joey O'Brien (Bolton Wanderers FC), John O'Shea (Manchester United FC).

Midfielders: Lee Carsley (Everton FC), Jonathan Douglas (Leeds United AFC), Stephen Hunt (Reading FC), Stephen Ireland (Manchester City FC), Kevin Kilbane (Wigan Athletic FC), Aiden McGeady (Celtic FC), Alan O'Brien (Hibernian FC), Darren Potter (Wolverhampton Wanderers FC), Andy Reid (Charlton Athletic FC).

Forwards: Kevin Doyle (Reading FC), Shane Long (Reading FC), Stephen Elliott (Wolverhampton Wanderers FC), Andy Keogh (Wolverhampton Wanderers FC), Robbie Keane (Tottenham Hotspur FC), Daryl Murphy (Sunderland AFC).