Injured Kevin Doyle misses out on Republic of Ireland call up

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Kevin Doyle

Fitness problems have denied Kevin Doyle a place in the Republic of Ireland squad to play three friendlies and a World Cup qualifier.

The Wolves striker is due to have an Achilles operation but Robbie Keane has recovered from an ankle injury.

Giovanni Trapattoni's side play England on 29 May before a friendly with Georgia on 2 June at the Aviva Stadium.

The Republic face the Faroe Islands in a qualifier in Dublin on 7 June before playing Spain in New York on 11 June.

Keane missed the last three games for Los Angeles Galaxy because of the ankle problem.

There are returns for Spartak Moscow midfielder Aiden McGeady and Norwich's Anthony Pilkington.

Trapattoni has indicated that Pilkington could earn his first cap against England although his availability for the remaining games is in doubt as he gets married two days after the Wembley game.

Reading defender Alex Pearce also fails to make the squad along with Ciaran Clark who is ruled out by a foot injury.

Villa defender Richard Dunne may train with the squad as he continues his recovery from a long-standing groin problem.

The Republic drew with both Sweden and Austria in March, leaving them fourth in Group C.

Doyle was a surprise omission from the squad for those games, although he was drafted in for the Austria tie when Robbie Keane withdrew due to injury.

"We must consider the positives from our games against Sweden and Austria when preparing for these fixtures," said Trapattoni.

"We produced two strong performances, and the players have proven that they are working very well together.

"I am very happy to have the squad together for these games. Firstly, to prepare for the Faroe Islands qualifier, and then for the challenges we have ahead of us in September.'

"This trip creates the chance to work with the players for a longer period than usual in order to bond and plan for the remainder of our World Cup qualifiers.

"These matches will provide me with the opportunity to experiment with different players and tactics."

Republic of Ireland squad:

Goalkeepers: David Forde (Millwall), Keiren Westwood (Sunderland), Darren Randolph (Motherwell).

Defenders: John O'Shea (Sunderland), Sean St Ledger (Leicester City), Damien Delaney (Crystal Palace), Richard Keogh (Derby County), Marc Wilson (Stoke City), Seamus Coleman (Everton), Stephen Kelly (Reading), Darren O'Dea (Toronto), Paul McShane (Hull City).

Midfielders: Glenn Whelan (Stoke City), James McCarthy (Wigan Athletic), Paul Green (Leeds United), Jeff Hendrick (Derby County), Aiden McGeady (Spartak Moscow), Anthony Pilkington (Norwich City), James McClean (Sunderland), Robbie Brady (Hull City), David Meyler (Hull City), Andy Keogh (Millwall).

Forwards: Robbie Keane (LA Galaxy), Shane Long (West Brom), Connor Sammon (Derby County), Jon Walters (Stoke City), Simon Cox (Nottingham Forest), Wes Hoolahan (Norwich City).

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