McCarthy offers World Cup hope to Carr and Doherty

Wednesday 20th March 2002

Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy has insisted that Tottenham Hotspur duo Stephen Carr and Gary Doherty both have "a real chance" of playing at the World Cup, despite missing out on the latest squad to face Denmark.

Carr has been out of action this season due to a serious knee injury, but recently resumed light training, while Doherty played for Spurs reserves last week as he continues his rehabilitation from a broken leg.

Both have been left out of the squad to face Denmark on March 27 at Lansdowne Road but McCarthy said: "Stephen Carr would always be in my first-choice panel and we will give him every chance to prove his fitness.

"I was delighted to see Gary Doherty back playing for the reserves last week. He too must have a real chance."

McCarthy went on to admit that he had already decided on the 23-man party he wishes to take to Japan and Korea. "I know in my own mind who exactly those players will be," he said.

"But you never know with the injury problems that might arise between now and the end of the season."

The most notable absentees from this squad are Millwall striker Richard Sadlier and Manchester United centre-back John O'Shea.

Republic of Ireland squad:

Goalkeepers: Given, Kiely, Colgan

Defender: Staunton, Harte, Dunne, Breen, O'Brien, Kelly, Cunningham

Midfielders: Roy Keane, Carsley, McAteer, Holland, Kilbane, Finnan, Kennedy, Reid, Healy, Kinsella

Forwards: Quinn, Robbie Keane, Morrison, Duff, Connolly