Martin O'Neill announced his 23-man Republic of Ireland squad for the 2016 European Championship's on Tuesday night, not long after the 2-1 home defeat to Belarus in their final friendly game before the tournament gets underway.

Losing to their fellow European's, who haven't qualified for the Championships, was disappointing, however most of the focus on the night was placed on who O'Neill would name in his squad. 

Injury worries: Keane and McCarthy in, Arter out

The big news was that captain Robbie Keane has been declared fit enough to board the plane, despite the Los Angeles Galaxy striker missing Tuesday's friendly with a calf problem. Midfielder James McCarthy was another injury doubt having recently been sidelined with a thigh problem, but he's on the plane too.

Keane will be hoping to be amongst the goals at the finals (photo: Getty Images)
Keane will be hoping to be amongst the goals at the finals (photo: Getty Images)

One midfielder who did miss out was Harry Arter, not selected by O'Neill despite enjoying a fantastic season for AFC Bournemouth in the Premier League. Injury seems to have been his downfall, having picked up a muscular problem earlier this week. 

'Keeper conundrum confirmed

With Shay Given and Darren Randolph picked as the first two goalkeeper's, there was clarification needed as to who would go as third choice out of Kieren Westwood and David Forde.

Milwall 'keeper Forde was the unfortunate man left out, leaving O'Neill to praise him for taking the news "like a proper man". Forde can feel disappointed, having featured often around the first few games of qualification, only to be overlooked as the process went on.

Republic of Ireland's first game in Group E is against Sweden on June 13.

Squad in full

Goalkeeper's: Shay Given, Darren Randolph, Kieren Westwood.

Defender's: Seamus Coleman, Cyrus Christie, Ciaran Clark, Richard Keogh, John O'Shea, Shane Duffy, Stephen Ward.

Midfielder's: Aiden McGeady, James McClean, Glenn Whelan, James McCarthy, Jeff Hendrick, David Myler, Stephen Quinn, Wes Hoolahan, Robbie Brady, Jon Walters.

Striker's: Robbie Keane, Shane Long, Daryl Murphy.

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