Quartet back for Republic of Ireland qualifiers

Damien Duff's return is a major boost for the Republic

Damien Duff, Keith Andrews, Keith Treacy and Darren O'Dea are back in the Republic of Ireland squad for their two Euro 2012 qualifiers next month.

The quartet missed the wins over Armenia and Andorra but return for the Group B games with Russia and Slovakia.

CSKA Sofia striker Cillian Sheridan retains his place in Giovanni Trapattoni's 26-man provisional squad.

"These teams are the top seeds but we have prepared well and will not make it easy for them," said the Republic boss.

The Republic top Group B on goal difference from Slovakia while Russia lie third.

"We go into these qualifiers with six points from six in the opening games of the campaign in September," added Trapattoni.

"We performed well against Armenia and Andorra and we will build on these good results in our next games against Russia and Slovakia.

"Russia and Slovakia will be looking to take three points from us to kick-start their Euro campaigns."

Duff, 31, Treacy and O'Dea have been back in action for their clubs Fulham, Preston and Ipswich respectively but Andrews has yet to return for Blackburn.

Former Celtic player Sheridan was drafted into the squad ahead of the last two internationals following injury withdrawals.

Republic take on Russia at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on 8 October before travelling to Zililina for the Slovakia qualifier four days later.

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Republic of Ireland squad: Given (Manchester City), Westwood (Coventry), Murphy (Scunthorpe); O'Shea (Manchester United), Dunne (Aston Villa), St Ledger (Preston), Cunningham (Manchester City), Foley (Wolves), Kelly (Fulham), McShane (Hull), O'Dea (Ipswich); Kilbane (Hull), Andrews (Blackburn), Whelan (Stoke), Gibson (Manchester United), Green (Derby), Lawrence (Portsmouth), McGeady (Spartak Moscow), Keogh (Cardiff), Duff (Fulham), Fahey (Birmingham), Treacy (Preston); Keane (Tottenham), Doyle (Wolves), Long (Reading), Sheridan (CSKA Sofia).