There has been mixed emotion for Donegal soccer star Seamus Coleman following the announcement of the Irish soccer squad for this summer’s European Championships.
The Killbegs man has not been named in Giovanni Trapatonni’s 23 panel for the tournament.
However he has been named as one of five ‘stand-bys’ in case of the squad are forced to pull out.
As expected both Shay Given and Aidan McGeady have been named in the panel.
James McCarthy, another player with strong Donegal connections, will not travel to the tournament.
The players is unavailable after it was revealed that his father is undergoing treatment for cancer.
James, whose grandfather was from Gaoth Dobhair, grew up in a strong Donegal-connected community in Glasgow.
The Wigan Athletic player is one of the most exciting players in the English Premier League.
Trap commented on James McCarthy’s exclusion: “Last week he called me and he told me what is happening with his family. I said ‘I am very sorry’ but he has decided to remain at home.”
Trap said: “It has not been easy choosing 23 players because we have many other very good players who deserve to be here. I have said already James McCarthy for example. I have spoken with all the players on the standby list and those who are not taking part in the campaign.”
James McCarthy spoke of his pride in his family connections in a statement later.
He said: “I have made the very difficult decision to withdraw my name from selection from the Euro 2012 squad following the diagnosis of my father with cancer and an ongoing requirement for treatment.
“I have discussed this with the manager. He was very understanding and I thank him sincerely for that.
“I take this opportunity to re-affirm my complete commitment to playing for the Republic of Ireland.
“It is a huge honour and source of great pride for me and my family.
“Despite not being present, I would like to wish the mannager and my team-mates every success at the tournament and hope that Irish fans can understand the reason for my decision at this difficult time.”
Former Derry City star James McClean of Sunderland said: “Absolutley honoured and could not be happier to have been call up to represnt my country at the European Championships. No better feeling.”
The full squad is: Given, Westwood, Forde, Dunne, O’Shea, St.Ledger, O’Dea, Ward, Kelly, Foley, Whelan, Gibson, Andrews, Fahey, Duff, McGeady, Hunt, McClean, Keane, Doyle, Cox, Long, Walters.
Standby: Randolph, McShane, Green, Coleman, Keogh
