ALTHOUGH there was disappointment for Blackburn Rovers players Damien Duff and Alan Mahon when the Republic of Ireland squad was named yesterday, keeper Alan Kelly was given the nod.

Leeds out-of-favour defender Gary Kelly, who has made just two starts for his club this season, was included for the World Cup play-offs with Iran.

But he joins a Republic squad that is sweating on the fitness of Roy Keane.

The skipper is struggling with a knee ligament injury, but Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is willing to let him play even if he is not fully fit.

McCarthy is definitely without Rovers winger Duff, although he feels his squad is well equipped to take of Iran over the two legs on November 10 and 15, having watched their opponents in their decisive games with United Arab Emirates.

He said: "I'm sorry that I will be without Damien Duff but we have plenty of cover

"After watching the first leg in Tehran last Thursday, I was not surprised by the result. But travelling to the Middle East for these two games was invaluable homework.

"I would have been surprised if Iran had lost. They have some very good players and are a better side than the Emirates."

Midfielders Mark Kinsella, Matt Holland and Kevin Kilbane are all included despite recent injury worries, while record goalscorer Niall Quinn will spearhead the attack.

Along with Rovers keeper Alan Kelly, ex-Ewood players Jason McAteer, Lee Carsley and Shay Given are also included.

The FAI expect all their squad to travel, although Leeds defender Ian Harte has expressed some concerns ahead of the second leg, due to be played in Tehran.

Republic of Ireland squad: Given (Newcastle), Kiely (Charlton), A Kelly (Blackburn), G Kelly (Leeds), Staunton (Aston Vila), Harte (Leeds), Dunne (Man City), Breen (Coventry), O'Brien (Newcastle), Cunningham (Wimbledon), Kinsella (Charlton), Roy Keane (Man Utd), Carsley (Coventry), McAteer (Sunderland), Holland (Ipswich), Kilbane (Sunderland), Finnan (Fulham), Kennedy (Wolves), Reid (Millwall), Delap (Southampton), Quinn (Sunderland), Robbie Keane (Leeds), Connolly (Wimbledon), Morrison (Crystal Palace).