Lawrence handed Republic call-up

Liam Lawrence has been a key player for Stoke City this season

Stoke midfielder Liam Lawrence has been called up for the Republic of Ireland's friendly against Nigeria at Craven Cottage on 29 May.

The 27-year-old is back in the 25-man panel after impressing in Stoke's Premier League survival campaign.

Preston duo Eddie Nolan and Sean St Ledger are also included along with Coventry City striker Leon Best.

The squad will be reduced to 22 for the World Cup qualifier against Bulgaria in Sofia the following weekend.

Alex Bruce, Damien Delaney, Steve Finnan, Darren O'Dea and Noel Hunt are missing from the squad initially named for the last two qualifiers against Bulgaria and Italy.

"Preparations for the game against Nigeria will allow us to see some new players who have distinguished themselves during the course of the last season and also to welcome back players like Caleb Folan and Kevin Foley," said Republic manager Giovanni Trapattoni.

"Nigeria are a powerhouse of African football, with many strong and fast players who are playing for top clubs in England and Europe.

"They will provide a challenging test before the very important World Cup qualifier in Bulgaria on 6 June."

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Republic of Ireland squad: Shay Given (Manchester City), Dean Kiely (West Brom), Kieren Westwood (Coventry), Eddie Nolan, Sean St Ledger (both Preston), John O'Shea (Manchester United), Kevin Foley (Wolves), Paul McShane (Sunderland), Richard Dunne (Manchester City), Stephen Kelly (Birmingham), Kevin Kilbane (Hull); Aiden McGeady (Celtic), Damien Duff (Newcastle), Darron Gibson (Manchester United), Glenn Whelan (Stoke), Keith Andrews (Blackburn), Liam Miller (QPR), Stephen Hunt (Reading), Andy Keogh (Wolves), Liam Lawrence (Stoke); Caleb Folan (Hull), Kevin Doyle (Reading), Robbie Keane (Tottenham), Shane Long (Reading), Leon Best (Coventry).