Hoolahan named for Ireland

In-form Norwich midfielder Wes Hoolahan will get a chance to make an impression at international level after being named in Giovanni Trapattoni's latest Republic of Ireland squad. The 30-year-old, who won his solitary cap for his country in 2008, has been one of the Canaries' outstanding performers over the past year and his efforts have now been recognised by Ireland's veteran boss. Trapattoni, 73, is under pressure after a poor UEFA EURO 2012 and a 6-1 hammering by Germany in a 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ qualifier last month. The Italian has included Hoolahan in a provisional 26-man to face Greece in a friendly at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on 14 November as he seeks to "try out new players". As a result of that policy, the one notable omission is that of captain and record goalscorer Robbie Keane, who will be rested and allowed to remain with his club - Los Angeles Galaxy. There have been calls for Hoolahan to be selected for some time, although he was unable to accept a call-up in August due to injury. Experience across squad The latest squad does contain experience in the likes of John O'Shea, Paul McShane, Keith Andrews, Glenn Whelan, Aiden McGeady and Kevin Doyle. Fulham defender Stephen Kelly is also included despite reports of a bust-up between him and assistant coach Marco Tardelli between the October matches against Germany and the Faroe Islands. But there are also 12 players who have made less than 10 appearances, including uncapped Everton defender Shane Duffy and Chelsea midfielder Conor Clifford. Trapattoni intends to trim the squad to 23 before the match but is waiting on injury reports. He said: "I have decided to choose a provisional 26-man squad for this game due to injury doubts over players. "As we have a break from competitive games for a few months, I am using this fixture as an opportunity to try out new players and view their potential. "Greece are currently 10th in FIFA's world rankings, and will provide a very difficult opposition for us. "Players like (Georgios) Samaras, (Fanis) Gekas, and (Giorgos) Karagounis are extremely talented. I am looking forward to setting our squad up for this challenge." Aston Villa defender Ciaran Clark is included despite being out of action for almost a month with a knee problem. Stoke left-back Marc Wilson is missing after breaking his leg in his club's draw with Sunderland last weekend. Injuries have also ruled out Sean St Ledger, Shane Long and Richard Dunne. From FIFA