Republic call up Clark

Clark: Named in Trapattoni's squad

Ciaran Clark has been drafted into the Republic of Ireland squad for Wednesday's friendly against Norway.

The 21-year-old defender has been called up by manager Giovanni Trapattoni after Fifa signalled the Aston Villa talent would be eligible to play for the Irish.

Clark, who was born in London and captained England at Under-18 level, qualifies for the Republic through his mother and grandparents.

And the versatile performer has opted to turn his back on the Three Lions at senior level after talking to club-mate Richard Dunne, who is in line to win his 64th cap against the Norwegians.

He has been included in a final 25 after Trapattoni whittled down his initial 27-man squad.

However, skipper Robbie Keane has withdrawn with an ankle injury and defender Paul McShane and striker Caleb Folan will also be missing with thigh and knee problems respectively.

Republic of Ireland squad: Shay Given (Manchester City), Keiren Westwood (Coventry); John O'Shea (Manchester United), Ciaran Clark (Aston Villa), Seamus Coleman (Everton), Richard Dunne (Aston Villa), Sean St Ledger (Preston), Greg Cunningham (Manchester City), Kevin Foley (Wolves), Kevin Kilbane (Hull), Stephen Kelly (Fulham), Darren O'Dea (Celtic); Marc Wilson (Stoke), Darron Gibson (Manchester United), Glenn Whelan (Stoke), Paul Green (Derby), Liam Lawrence (Portsmouth), Stephen Hunt (Wolves), Aiden McGeady (Spartak Moscow), Keith Treacy (Preston), Damien Duff (Fulham), Keith Fahey (Birmingham); Jonathan Walters (Stoke), Kevin Doyle (Wolves), Shane Long (Reading).

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