RORY DELAP is urging Mick McCarthy to let him become the Republic of Ireland's 'Mr Versatile'.

The Southampton midfielder will gladly play out of position if it means him making it into McCarthy's Republic squad for the World Cup finals, which begin in Korea and Japan next month.

Delap has not played for his country for nearly two years and missed the chance to stake his claim earlier this year because of a calf injury and then a suspension.

But he is back in the team for tonight's friendly against the USA because of injuries to other players and is desperate to prove he is worth a place in McCarthy's final party.

Manchester City's Richard Dunn has returned home with hamstring injury and Jason McAteer may also depart with a groin strain.

McCarthy has made seven changes to his side for tonight's friendly against the United States at Lansdowne Road.

The four surviving players from the team which beat Denmark 3-0 in Dublin last month are Leeds duo Ian Harte and Robbie Keane, Charlton midfielder Mark Kinsella and Blackburn striker Damian Duff.

This match provides probably the last chance for three players named in the starting line-up to stake their claim for the final 23 to travel to the finals.

Delap began the season for Saints at right-back, but has since established himself in the centre of midfield.

McCarthy feels he can also play as a striker, but the 25-year-old will play anywhere if it earns him a ticket to the Far East.

"My versatility is what probably got me into the squad in the first place, but I don't know if Mick knows the best position for me," said Delap.

"I have always thought my best position was as a wing-back, but neither Southampton nor the Republic play that formation, so I am trying to grab the one midfield place which is up for grabs alongside Roy Keane.

"My first couple of caps were up front and I haven't played in that position for a while, but if it gets me to Japan I'll do it - I can't afford to be fussy.

"I really need to play against the USA to show what I can do and give myself a chance of forcing my way in.

"I have been very happy with my form but need to figure in this game. There is still a slim chance of making the World Cup and I will give it my best shot."

Meanwhile, McCarthy has taken as a huge compliment the fact that three of his Republic players have been named in the PFA's Premiership team of the season - one more than England managed to get into the representative XI.

The professional footballers selected Republic goalkeeper Shay Given of Newcastle, Fulham defender Steve Finnan and skipper Roy Keane of Manchester United are in their team which was announced on Sunday night.

England's representatives were Leeds skipper Rio Ferdinand and Saints defender Wayne Bridge.

"It is nice to know that I have got three of the best players in the Premiership playing in the Irish team, and I wouldn't disagree with them," said McCarthy.

"I think Dean Kiely might get on the bench as the substitute goalkeeper, so that is nice too.

"It is nice for them to be recognised by their fellow professionals. It is the best accolade they can get, especially over a whole season.

"Playing in an international team which is doing well helps the profile of the players and I think it gives them more confidence when they play well in an international side which is doing well."

McCarthy has promised not to upset club managers by over-working players who face important domestic games this weekend in tonight's friendly against the USA.

He said: "I understand the managers wanting their players to be fit and fresh and I have no problem with that at all.

"I don't want to have gripes with any manager, especially at this stage of the season when there are such sensitive issues at stake."

Republic of Ireland: Given (Newcastle), Finnan (Fulham), O'Brien (Newcastle), Breen (Coventry, capt), Harte (Leeds), Delap (Southampton), Kinsella (Charlton), Healy (Celtic), Kilbane (Sunderland), Duff (Blackburn), Keane (Leeds).