Slovakia pair ruled out of Croker clash

SLOVAKIA have lost two players through suspension for Wednesday’s Group D clash with the Republic of Ireland at Croke Park.

Defender Jan Durica and midfielder Matej Krajcik received their second yellow cards of the qualifying competition in the 3-1 away win against Cyprus on Saturday, which left fourth-placed Slovakia one point behind Ireland but with a match in hand.

Having scored 15 times in five games, Ján Kocian’s team is the second most prolific attacking force in Europe at present behind Germany. But four-goal leading marksman Marek Mintál is out injured for the rest of the season.