The Sheffield United duo harboured high hopes of being named in Giovanni Trapattoni's first Republic of Ireland squad but were surprising omissions from the 22-man party which reported for training ahead of the forthcoming friendlies against Serbia and Colombia.

Geary has yet to win international recognition despite emerging as one of the most consistent attacking full-backs in the Championship.

Kenny, who won seven caps under Trapattoni's predecessor, Steve Staunton, had hoped the Italian's appointment would enhance his hopes of a recall following a well-publicised dispute with former Liverpool and Aston Villa defender Staunton.

The United goalkeeper, who has consistently reiterated his commitment to the Irish cause, has seen his place taken by West Bromwich Albion's Dean Kiely, the 37-year-old making his first appearance at this level since 2003.

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However, Trapattoni stressed: "Any player who is not in this squad is still in my thoughts.

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"Some players who were not in the preliminary squad are in this squad because they have impressed and are playing in positions where we had vacancies.

"We will continue to monitor every Irish player from the start of next season and if they impress they will be brought into the squad."

Trapattoni held his first training session in Malahide earlier this week and low-key games against Portuguese opposition have been organised on the Algarve before Miroslav Ðukic's side visit Croke Park next Saturday.

Ireland will then travel to London where they face the South Americans at Craven Cottage five days later.

Kenny must displace either Kiely, Birmingham's Colin Doyle or Joe Murphy from Scunthorpe to force his way into contention.

But Geary could find the route into Trapattoni's plans congested given the former Juventus chief's determination to coax Steve Finnan and Andy O'Brien out of international retirement.

Crystal Palace youngster Sean Scannell, who has blossomed under Neil Warnock's tutelage at Selhurst Park, joins a possible United target, Blackpool's Wes Hoolahan, in the squad.

QPR defender Damien Delaney is another newcomer, postponing a scheduled holiday to Las Vegas after his late call-up.

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