Shay Given has made a shock return to the international scene after Martin O'Neill named the 38-year-old goalkeeper in his final 27-man squad for the Republic of Ireland's upcoming matches against Oman and Georgia.

The Donegal man retired from Ireland duty after the 2012 European Championship finals in Poland and Ukraine, having amassed 125 caps since his Ireland debut in 1996.

O’Neill and his assistant Roy Keane have seemingly turned to the Aston Villa reserve keeper as first choice over David Forde and Kieren Westwood for next Wednesday's friendly against Oman in Dublin and the opening Euro 2016 qualifier in Tbilisi four days later.

Skipper Robbie Keane is being monitored as he attempts to shake off a minor problem, although O'Neill is hopeful he will be fit for the Georgia game.

However, Reading defender Stephen Kelly and Derby midfielder Jeff Hendrick have withdrawn because of injury, as has Nottingham Forest midfielder Andy Reid, who is undergoing treatment.



Darren Randolph, Ciaran Clark, Paul McShane, Shane Duffy, Damien Delaney, Simon Cox and Conor Sammon remain on standby.

Robbie Keane is carrying a slight injury and his progress is being monitored.

A decision will be made later this evening as to when he will travel, but it is hoped he will be fit in time for the Euro 2016 Group D qualifier against Georgia in Tbilisi on 7 September.

Ireland will take on Oman in their final friendly in Aviva Stadium this Wednesday, 3 September at 7.45pm before the opening Euro qualifier in Georgia.

Republic of Ireland squad: D Forde, K Westwood, S Given, R Elliot, R Keogh, M Wilson, S Coleman, J O’Shea, A Pearce, J O’Brien, J McCarthy, S Ward, G Whelan, D Gibson, A McGeady, A Pilkington, J McClean, R Brady, S Quinn, D Meyler, W Hoolahan, R Keane, S Long, D Murphy, J Walters, K Doyle, A Stokes.