Goalkeeper Keiren Westwood and full back Stephen Kelly (pictured) have both been ruled out of the Ireland squad for Wednesday night’s international friendly against the Czech Republic at the Aviva Stadium.
A wrist injury has prompted the withdrawal of Westwood, who will miss out on a place on the bench against the Czechs. Not to worry, though, it doesn’t seem too serious so he’ll be back sitting on a bench at Sunderland before long.
Kelly, meanwhile, is ruled out by a thigh injury which has raised its head since he completed 90 minutes in Fulham’s win over QPR last weekend.
Midfielder Keith Fahey and striker Kevin Doyle sat out Monday’s training session in Malahide but that has been declared a precaution and they are expected to be available for selection on Wednesday night.
All the signs are that Doyle does not have one leg hanging off, so he’ll more than likely start alongside Robbie Keane up front.
Stephen Henderson, the Portsmouth goalkeeper, has been called in as cover. The 23-year-old is the nephew of former Ireland international Wayne, who won the last of his six international caps in 2007.
