The Republic of Ireland’s Paul McShane has been ruled out of Saturday’s World Cup qualifier away to Bulgaria.
McShane would have been on the bench for the Irish in Sofia, but will not be available to Giovanni Trapattoni should the manager require cover at the back.
The Sunderland defender collided with Shane Long during a training match in midweek, ending his hopes of making an appearance in Bulgaria after medical staff assessed the injury.
Trapattoni, however, is fully confident that Richard Dunne will be able to take his place alongside Sean St Ledger in the Ireland back four, despite concerns over a knee problem.
Robbie Keane, meanwhile, is also expected to start. The Tottenham striker was suffering from a foot injury, but the knock is not bad enough to prevent him from leading his side out for the crucial clash.