BURY goalkeeper Dean Kiely has been called up for the Republic of Ireland.

The Shakers No 1 got the call from Irish boss Mick McCarthy yesterday and will be in the squad for the clash with Mexico on May 23 and a testimonial clash six days earlier.

Gigg Lane centre half Paul Butler was also wanted by McCarthy but the Manchester-born defender is not eligible to play for the Republic.

He would be free to represent Wales or Scotland through his parentage but he has no blood connections with Ireland.

Ironically, Butler's wife's family is Irish, and he said: "It's disappointing I cannot represent them because it would have been a great honour.

"And it's especially disappointing for my wife because she was getting excited. But for Mick McCarthy to pick Dean and myself shows that players at Bury are finally getting recognised for their achievements."

Shakers boss Stan Ternent added: "It's a shame for Paul but it's great that Dean is getting called up.

"It's good for the club and both players deserve the recognition."

BURY will begin talks soon with fullback Bryan Small to try and keep the former Bolton Wanderers full-back, who is out of contract, at Gigg Lane next season.

The rest of Bury's first team squad are all under contract and Paul Dalglish, on loan for the last few months at Gigg Lane, has returned to Newcastle who are managed by his father, Kenny.

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