Gary Doherty's nine-month international exile ended today when he was drafted into the Republic of Ireland squad for September's European Championship opener against Germany.

Gary Doherty's nine-month international exile ended today when he was drafted into the Republic of Ireland squad for September's European Championship opener against Germany.

Steve Staunton has named Norwich's defensive lynchpin in his 23-man party for the Euro 2008 tie in Stuttgart on September 2.

Doherty's last international appearance came in October 2005 as a late substitute in the Republic's 0-0 World Cup qualifying draw against Switzerland.

“I was disappointed missing out on the first few squads under Steve,” he said. “I'm ecstatic to be back in now. I'm over the moon to be honest. I thought my opportunity was over.”

Doherty admits the Republic face a stiff test against the side that finished third in this summer's World Cup. The 26-year-old expects his countrymen to bounce back from last week's demoralising 4-0 friendly reverse to Holland.

“I feel the squad will be a lot stronger this time because we'll have more players available,” he said. “People like Shay Given will be back and that's a big boost.

“It's a tough one for us to start with after Germany did so well in the World Cup but hopefully we will do ourselves proud after the Holland result.”

Republic captain Robbie Keane along with Richard Dunne and recent Newcastle recruit Damien Duff all return after missing the Dutch defeat.

“I'm delighted to have those boys available to me after their recent injuries,” said Staunton. “They are regular members of the squad and it's vital that we have everyone we can available to us for this tough test.”

Former Leeds full back Ian Harte is out through injury.

t Republic squad to play Germany on September 2.: Shay Given (Newcastle United), Wayne Henderson (Brighton), Paddy Kenny (Sheffield United), Andy O'Brien (Portsmouth), Richard Dunne (Manchester City), Stephen Carr (Newcastle United), Steve Finnan (Liverpool), Stephen Kelly (Birmingham), Gary Doherty (Norwich), Kevin Kilbane (Everton), John O'Shea (Manchester United), Steven Reid (Blackburn Rovers), Graham Kavanagh (Wigan), Liam Miller (Manchester United), Jonathan Douglas (Blackburn Rovers), Stephen Ireland (Manchester City), Damien Duff (Newcastle United), Aiden McGeady (Celtic), Stephen Elliott (Sunderland), Robbie Keane (Tottenham Hotspur), Kevin Doyle (Reading), Clinton Morrison (Crystal Palace), Alan O'Brien (Newcastle United).