St Ledger in line for first cap as Trap opens door for Hunt

GIOVANNI TRAPATTONI has said that Stephen Hunt is “90 per cent” likely to start in Ireland’s crucial World Cup qualifier against Bulgaria in Sofia on Saturday.

And judging by his back four selection at Arsenal’s training ground yesterday, the manager is also leaning towards giving Preston’s Sean St Ledger his competitive debut at centre-half, meaning that John O’Shea would move to right back. “All is possible, all is possible”, was Trapattoni’s cryptic comment on that potential reshuffle.

An otherwise routine squad session in London yesterday nearly one setback when midfielder Glenn Whelan limped off at the end. However late last night the Irish camp confirmed Whelan suffered no more than a stud scrape on his calf. After being treated with ice there is no concern about his fitness. This is especially important given that, with the injured Darron Gibson now definitely ruled out, Ireland are thin on midfield cover. Wolves’ Kevin Foley has also withdrawn from the squad to be with his wife who is expecting a baby. “We have enough (options) with Stephen Kelly and Paul McShane,” said Trapattoni.