Michalik Leeds the way for Slovakia

SLOVAKIA has added Leeds United defender Lubomir Michalik to their squad for the match against Ireland at Croke Park tomorrow night.

The 23-year-old, who joined Bolton from Slovakian strugglers Sence in January and was immediately loaned to Leeds, replaces the suspended Jan Durica. Michalik, who has been booked in each of his first three appearances for the Elland Road club, scored on his full international début against the United Arab Emirates, in December.

Meanwhile, Robbie Keane’s ban will deprive him of the chance to meet up with Vratislav Gresko, his former team-mate at Inter Milan. Gresko, a left-footed wing-back, later joined Blackburn Rovers and is currently playing for FC Nurnberg in the Bundesliga.

Six Ireland players are at risk of missing the return match against Slovakia in September. Shay Given, John O’Shea, Paul McShane, Lee Carsley, Jonathan Douglas and Kevin Kilbane will carry one yellow card into tomorrow night’s clash.