Clark and Coleman in for Republic

Aston Villa star Clark is included for the first time in the squad to face Wales in the opening game of the Carling Nations Cup in February, after impressing for his club and scoring three goals so far this season from defence. Everton winger Coleman could also win his first cap for his country after an excellent season with the Merseysiders so far. The squad are due to meet on February 6 for the game two days later, which will take place at the Aviva Stadium. "I am looking forward to the opening game of the Carling Nations Cup against Wales," said manager Giovanni Trappatoni. "This competition provides our players with familiar and tough opponents and the added competitive edge to the tournament is the perfect preparation for our Euro qualifying campaign." Republic of Ireland 29-man squad: Goalkeepers: Shay Given (Manchester City), Keiren Westwood (Coventry). Defenders: John O'Shea (Manchester United), Ciaran Clark (Aston Villa), Seamus Coleman (Everton), Richard Dunne (Aston Villa), Sean St. Ledger (Preston), Kevin Foley (Wolves), Kevin Kilbane (Huddersfield), Stephen Kelly (Fulham), Darren O'Dea (Ipswich), Paul McShane (Hull). Midfielders: Marc Wilson (Stoke), Darron Gibson (Manchester United), Glenn Whelan (Stoke), Paul Green (Derby), Liam Lawrence (Portsmouth), Stephen Hunt (Wolves), Aiden McGeady (Spartak Moscrow), Keith Treacy (Preston), Damien Duff (Fulham), Keith Fahey (Birmingham). Forwards: Robbie Keane (Tottenham), Jonathan Walters (Stoke), Kevin Doyle (Wolves), Shane Long (Reading), Andy Keogh (Wolves), Leon Best (Newcastle), Anthony Stokes (Celtic).