Ireland coach Declan Kidney has said he is totally focused on the challenges ahead for the Irish (16/1 to win the 2011 World Cup) after announcing his squad for the Six Nations.

Kidney confirmed his extended 44-man squad for the Six Nations Championship which kicks-off in two weeks, the defending champions taking on Italy (1/2 to receive the wooden spoon) on February 6.

Ireland’s squad includes a number of surprise selection, including Ulster hooker Rory Best who has been picked despite having yet to represent his province due to a neck injury.

The squad also contains nine uncapped players including Leinster’s (7/2 to win the Heineken Cup) Fergus McFadden, Kevin McLaughlin, Devin Toner and John Fogarty along with Ulster duo Dan Tuohy and Declan Fitzpatrick.

Ireland (11/2 to complete a Grand Slam) have been unable to call-up injured duo Luke Fitzgerald and Denis Leamy, both of who will miss the entire championship.

Kidney says his squad will be totally focused on the Six Nations but also revealed that his squad selection was made with one eye on building a side for the World Cup in 2011.

Kidney said when asked what his considerations were when selecting the squad: “the opening game against Italy, followed by the A games and further down the line the Rugby World Cup”.

“Building a squad has always been a priority for us and the work done during the first half of the season means there is a little more experience accumulated in the squad than we had a couple of months ago.”

Some of the fringe players will get a chance to stake their claim for a place in the Six Nations side when Ireland A play two warm up matches against England Saxons on January 31 and Scotland A on February 5.

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