Barrett gets call as Miller ruled out

MANCHESTER UNITED’S Liam Miller was the latest to join Ireland’s long casualty list yesterday when he was declared unfit to play against Cyprus and Switzerland in the opening World Cup qualifying ties.

Manager Brian Kerr was forced to look beyond his original squad when Miller followed Roy Keane, Matt Holland and David Connolly onto the treatment table.

He sent an SOS to Coventry City for Graham Barrett, after reviewing his midfield for Ireland’s opening qualifying tie on Saturday against Cyprus.

Kerr may still have problems, even though he welcomed the arrival yesterday of three players who played League matches on Tuesday - Gary Breen (Sunderland), Alan Quinn and goalkeeper Paddy Kenny of Sheffield United.

All three came through their games without injury and Kerr must have breathed a sigh of relief after the disappointing news of the weekend.

He awaits fitness reports on John O’Shea (Manchester United), goalkeeper Shay Given (Newcastle United) and Rory Delap (Southampton), all of whom sat out yesterday’s training session.

O’Shea was able to take part in the stretching and sprinting, but opted out of the match because of a sore knee. Delap was still at his club yesterday undergoing treatment and Given did not train at all because of a bruised toe.

Kerr expressed confidence the three would be fit for selection against Cyprus, but the departure of Liam Miller after a couple of days’ treatment in Dublin was a serious blow.

He was a virtual certainty to start on the right of midfield and his withdrawal, combined with the absence of Roy Keane and Matt Holland, meant that three of the likely four midfielders are unavailable.

Kerr is left with four fit and recognised midfielders - Kevin Kilbane, Andy Reid, Alan Quinn and Graham Kavanagh. None of them is a specialist on the right of the pitch although Reid, who is naturally left-footed, has played there for Nottingham Forest.

This was why Kerr moved yesterday for Barrett. He was signed by Arsenal as a centre-forward and played for Ireland’s U-21s in that position. But in recent times he has played virtually all his football on the right of midfield.

He was a regular in that position in the summer friendlies and will offer competition on the right-hand side of the pitch to Steve Finnan and Stephen Carr. But Kerr will wait until tomorrow and a final report on his casualties before he puts his team together.

In the meantime, he welcomed the players who were in action with their clubs on Tuesday night.

“Gary Breen, Alan Quinn and Paddy Kenny all reported fit and that is good news. It is disappointing to lose Liam Miller ... but we are fortunate to have Graham Barrett to call upon.”