GARETH Farrelly is back in favour with the Republic of Ireland after a two-year absence.

The Wanderers' midfielder was in the 22-strong squad which flew out today for a three-match trip to the United States.

The Irish, who have been decimated by injuries and withdrawals, face USA, Mexico and South Africa in the Nike Tournament with manager Mick McCarthy aiming to use the games as pointers for his World Cup qualifiers against Holland and Portugal in September and October.