Finnan to join squad despite fitness fears

CONTRARY to earlier reports about the player's fitness, Republic of Ireland manager Brian Kerr says he expects Steve Finnan to join up with the squad in advance of the World Cup qualifiers against Israel and the Faroe Islands.

The Liverpool full-back, who was substituted during the Champions' League final triumph in Istanbul, was reported to have been struggling with a thigh problem, but speaking yesterday ahead of an Irish selection's participation in the Jackie McNamara testimonial in Celtic Park tomorrow, Kerr said that Finnan will report for duty next week.

"He went into the match with slight tightness in his thigh," said Kerr.