Football: ROI Name Euro 2012 Squad

The Republic of Ireland have named their squad for the Euro 2012 Championships.

Wigan's James McCarthy is not in the squad after taking the decision to withdraw from selection after his father was diagnosed with cancer.

McCarthy, who was born in Scotland but switched his allegiance, was not named by the manager Giovanni Trapattoni in Dublin.

In a statement the player said: "I have discussed this with the manager. He was very understanding and I thank him sincerely for that."

Sunderland winger James McClean, who has been praised by his club manager Martin O'Neill, has been included in the squad for the Euro 2012 finals.

The 23-year-old former Derry City midfielder made the cut despite having won just one senior cap as a substitute after a remarkable six months for his club.

LA Galaxy striker Robbie Keane is the captain. 23 players have been named in the squad and five players have been named on standby.

In Group C Trapattoni's team will have to overcome very tough opponents. They will play Croatia, Spain and Italy.

The full 23-man Republic of Ireland squad for Euro 2012:

Shay Given, Keiren Westwood, David Forde; John O'Shea, Stephen Kelly, Stephen Ward, Richard Dunne, Sean St Ledger, Darren O'Dea, Kevin Foley; Glenn Whelan, Keith Andrews, Keith Fahey, Darron Gibson, Damien Duff, Aiden McGeady, Stephen Hunt, James McClean; Robbie Keane, Kevin Doyle, Shane Long, Simon Cox, Jon Walters.

Stand-by: Darren Randolph, Paul McShane, Paul Green, Seamus Coleman, Andy Keogh.