Keith Andrews and Damien Duff out of Republic of Ireland games
Damien Duff and Keith Andrews have been ruled out the Republic of Ireland's two games with Russia and Slovakia in this week’s Euro 2012 qualifiers.
Andrews injured his groin while Duff will be out with a calf problem. They are added to a growing list of players that will miss the two games.
Stephen Kelly and Darren O’Dea have already withdrawn from the squad and Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni has brought in Stoke City defender Marc Wilson as cover.
However, the Republic of Ireland manager will not call in replacements for the two latest casualties. Duff missed the last round of matches and Aiden McGeady is likely to keep his place with Duff out.
Paul Green replaced Andrews after he also missed the matches with injury. Trapattoni is unlikely to tinker with his team and keep the same side that started against Andorra.
Republic of Ireland manager said, “Damien Duff has had a scan and there is a little injury. It is 90 per cent he is not available. A muscle injury is very dangerous. It is not easy to recover in eight days. He has pulled the muscle and there is a little
blood showing on the scan, so we spoke to the doctor and he is going home.”
Ireland have started the group well and have recorded wins against Armenia and Andorra in their opening two games. They lead the group on goal difference from Slovakia.
"We are happy after the first two games, but I have told the players we must start every game as if it were the first,” Trapattoni said. “We would like to win because it would be a very, very important result because we know the points the Russians are behind."
“From these two games, it would be excellent to achieve four points but it is also important to stay at the top of the table,” the Italian added.
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