Fulham star defender Steve Finnan has capped an outstanding year with
selection for the World Cup Finals in Japan with the Republic of Ireland.
Fin has won 13 caps with the Republic and has scored one goal. He forced
his way into the Irish side with some superb displays following his debut
against Greece in 2000.
The Fulham man was born in Limerick, but moved to England as a child.
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Fulham star defender Steve
Finnan has capped an outstanding year with selection for the World
Cup Finals in Japan with the Republic of Ireland.
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Equally comfortable at right back or in midfield, Finnan's game has improved
considerably since then under the tutorage of Jean Tigana at Fulham and
in the last year, he has become Ireland's first choice right back in the
absence of Stephen Carr. A competent defender, Finnan enjoys breaking forward,
as he did to create Jason McAteer's vital goal against Holland last season
Irish manager Mick McCarthy named his World Cup squad on Tuesday and as
was expected, the Republic boss rewarded the players who earned the Irish
their first appearance in a major finals since 1994.
The squad assembles next week for Tuesday's Niall Quinn charity testimonial
game in Sunderland.
Then the Republic play Nigeria in a warm-up game in Dublin on Thursday
16 May before flying out to Japan the following day.
Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane will captain the 23-man party.
Republic of Ireland's World Cup squad:
Goalkeepers:
Shay Given (Newcastle United), Alan Kelly (Blackburn Rovers), Dean Kiely
(Charlton Athletic).
Defenders:
Steve Finnan (Fulham), Ian Harte (Leeds United) Gary Kelly (Leeds United),
Steve Staunton (Aston Villa), Kenny Cunningham (Wimbledon), Richard Dunne
(Manchester City), Gary Breen (Coventry City), Andy O'Brien (Newcastle United).
Midfielders:
Roy Keane (Manchester United), Mark Kinsella (Charlton Athletic), Matt Holland
(Ipswich), Kevin Kilbane (Sunderland), Mark Kennedy (Wolverhampton Wanderers),
Lee Carsley (Everton), Jason McAteer (Sunderland).
Forwards:
Robbie Keane (Leeds United), Damien Duff (Blackburn Rovers), Niall Quinn
(Sunderland), Clinton Morrison (Crystal Palace), David Connolly (Wimbledon)