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Quartet left out as Giovanni Trapattoni picks his squad

30.10.09

Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni has left Steven Reid, Andy Reid, Steve Finnan and Clinton Morrison out of the 25-man squad for the World Cup qualifying play-off against France.

Trapattoni recently said he did not think Steven Reid would play again following injury, a statement which drew a furious response from the player's club manager Sam Allardyce.

Trapattoni has also decided to leave out Sunderland's Andy Reid, Portsmouth defender Finnan and Coventry striker Morrison for the two-legged play-off at Croke Park on November 14 and the Stade de France on November 18.

Trapattoni said: "We performed strongly throughout the qualifying group stages.

"We were undefeated in all 10 games and this is a reflection of how we have played and also the mental strength of this team.

"France have a strong squad but we go into this play-off knowing that we are only 180 minutes away from qualifying for the World Cup."