Republic of Ireland include five uncapped players in squad

Norwich City winger Anthony Pilkington is one of five uncapped players in the Republic of Ireland's provisional squad for the 6 February game with Poland.

The maiden call-up is recognition for Pilkington who has impressed for his club over the past two seasons.

West Ham keeper Stephen Henderson and Derby trio Richard Keogh, Jeff Hendrick and Conor Sammon are the others hoping to win first caps.

Giovanni Trapattoni has named a largely inexperienced squad for the friendly.

Aston Villa defender Richard Dunne has been included, but a final decision on his availability will be made closer to the match as he has not played this season because of groin and hip problems.

The Republic manager was not at the planned squad announcement in Dublin on Monday following the death of his 81-year-old sister Romilde.

"I have decided to use this friendly game as an opportunity to work with younger players to see their potential," said Trapattoni through an FAI media release.

"We saw a number of strong performances from our younger players in the second half of last year and we intend to build from those strong foundations.

"I look forward to working with these players and seeing what they have to offer."

Robbie Keane and Stephen Kelly are among experienced players left out but there is still plenty of experience in the squad with the likes of Dunne, Sunderland defender John O'Shea and Wolves striker Kevin Doyle.

However, there is no place for record cap holder Shay Given who retired after winning the last of his 125 caps in last summer's European Championships.

The Aston Villa keeper has had a change of heart due to his lack of club action but is still struggling with a hamstring injury.

When asked if Given would be considered in the future, Trapattoni replied:"It's similar to what I explained to Robbie Keane. There's an evolution within this squad, and it's important for me to keep bringing players through.

"I explained to Shay that for this friendly match we are looking to use the players that I have to give them more match time."

He added: "I have a lot of respect for Shay as a player. When he spoke to us during our phone call he said to us that if we needed him, he'd be there."

The Poland friendly is part of the Republic's preparations for their World Cup qualifying double-header against Sweden and Austria in March.

Provisional Repubic of Ireland squad: Westwood (Sunderland), Forde (Millwall), Henderson (West Ham), Coleman (Everton), O'Shea (Sunderland), O'Dea (Toronto), McShane (Hull), Ward (Wolves), Clark (Aston Villa), Dunne (Aston Villa), Keogh (Derby), Cunningham (Bristol City), Pilkington (Norwich), Hendrick (Derby), McCarthy (Wigan), Meyler (Hull), Whelan (Stoke), Keogh (Millwall), McGeady (Spartak Moscow), McClean (Sunderland), Brady (Hull), Hoolahan (Norwich), Doyle (Wolves), Cox (Nottm Forest), Walters (Stoke), Long (West Brom), Sammon (Derby).