Kerr ponders midfield options

THE growing injury list ahead of Saturday’s opening match against Cyprus dominated Brian Kerr’s first press conference of this World Cup qualifying campaign.

Having already resigned himself to losing Roy Keane to cracked ribs and Matt Holland to an ankle problem, David Connolly and Rory Delap, both with calf problems, have joined the two experienced midfielders, along with Liam Miller, on the sidelines.

While both players would have been useful options within the squad, the absence of Keane and Holland were more taxing for the manager. “Matt hasn’t been able to train and when Matt misses a match, you know the problem must be serious. It is not looking good at the moment.”