SOCCER:Steve Staunton will be hoping the Charlton winger Andy Reid can recapture his best form over the coming weeks as the Republic of Ireland manager prepares for their key qualifiers in Bratislava and Prague without the creative influence of Damien Duff.

Reid, who missed much of last season with injury, was yesterday included by Staunton in his squad for next week's friendly against Denmark in Aarhus, where a strong performance could result in the 25-year-old Dubliner being handed a key role in the forthcoming clashes with Slovakia and the Czech Republic.

"Damien's been the hub of all of our creative work during the last 12 or 18 months," said Staunton. "Losing him is a bad blow, both to ourselves and Newcastle, but in his absence it's up to others to step up to the mark."

Also competing to fill that role is Stephen Hunt, the Reading midfielder who recently admitted to disappointment with his form in the summer friendlies.

"He's spot on with what he said," observed Staunton when told of Hunt's remarks. "But we know he has a lot more to give."

Duff's return before the end of the qualification campaign would, said Staunton, be a major surprise, and there are lingering concerns about the fitness of his clubmate Shay Given, laid up with a recurrence of the groin strain that proved so troublesome last season.

The fact Colin Doyle (22) is playing in the Premier League will advance his claim on Given's place next week and maybe beyond, but Staunton stressed he was pleased by the keenness of competition among his goalkeepers and with the efforts of those he had used so far.

"Shay's a big player for us but there are a lot of others who are itching to get their chance," said the manager, noting Luton's Dean Brill was qualified to play for the Republic and had indicated a desire to do so but making it clear there were, for now, others with stronger claims.

"Apart from a mistake in San Marino, Wayne Henderson has done well in the three games he's had and the others did well in America so there's good competition, which is a positive thing."

Perhaps, the biggest beneficiary of the trip to the US is Darren Potter. The Wolves midfielder impressed against both Ecuador and Bolivia and has effectively been included in place of Lee Carsley, who, Staunton says, has been omitted only because there is little to be gained by dragging the 33-year-old away at this stage in the season.

"Lee will definitely be back in the squad for September," he said. "There is no problem with him but as I discussed with him when he came back, there's no point in bringing him if he's not going to play and that was the case on this occasion.

"Darren was excellent in America. The two games there pushed him up the ladder. We all saw what he could do and he's started this season well too so he's earned his place."

Among those omitted are Clinton Morrison, Liam Miller and Ian Harte. Steven Reid is still recovering from injury.

Anthony Stokes, meanwhile, will be with the under-21s for their game against Germany next week, but Daryl Murphy retains his place in the squad and the first-choice pairing of Kevin Doyle and Robbie Keane are among the other strikers included.

"It's good to have Robbie back in," said Staunton. "He's a clever, inventive player and we haven't got too many of them. The game, though, will provide us with an opportunity to give younger players another chance to get some experience at this level, and that's important.

"Even somebody like Kevin Doyle, who is almost regarded as a seasoned pro at this stage, only has nine caps. The more football the younger lads can get under their belts at this level the better."

The bulk of the squad are due to gather in Dublin on Sunday. They will head for Denmark on Tuesday afternoon.