Injury-hit Irish bring back Kenna

The Birmingham City captain Jeff Kenna has been recalled to the Republic of Ireland squad for the Group 10 European Championship qualifier against Switzerland at Lansdowne Road on 16 October.

The 32-year-old Kenna last played for the Republic three years ago in the Euro 2000 championship play-off against Turkey in Bursa. Out of favour with Blackburn and after a series of Achilles tendon injuries, Kenna had loan spells at Wigan Athletic and Tranmere Rovers before moving to Birmingham six months ago.

"With Steve Finnan and Stephen Carr ruled out by injuries, Jeff gets his chance and I'm sure he will be very pleased as he has been such a long time out of the frame," said manager Mick McCarthy.

Newcastle United's Andy O'Brien, who missed last month's 4-2 defeat by Russia in the opening qualifier because of shin splints, is also named in the squad for next week's game.

Despite the excellent performances of John O'Shea for Manchester United this season, McCarthy will stick by his current central defensive partnership of West Ham's Gary Breen and Birmingham City's Kenny Cunningham. McCarthy will be on a spying mission to Tirana on Saturday when Albania host the Swiss in a qualifier. On the same day, his assistant, Ian Evans, will take in the other Group 10 fixture between Georgia and Russia in Tbilisi.

The Espanyol striker Raul Tamudo has withdrawn from the Spain squad to face Northern Ireland in Saturday's Group Six qualifier because of a torn leg muscle.

Jose Marchena has contracted gastroenteritis and is also doubtful. However, the Valencia defender has not been ruled out by the Spain coach Iñaki Saez, who is still hopeful that he will recover in time.