Dunne and Kilbane out as Ireland’s injury problems deepen

IRELAND face a major injury crisis in defence ahead of Wednesday’s friendly international against Norway at the Aviva Stadium.

Giovanni Trapattoni has lost two of his usual first-choice back four with Richard Dunne (knee) and Kevin Kilbane (back) having to withdraw from the Irish squad, joining Robbie Keane, Paul McShane and Caleb Folan from the original panel on the missing list.

And though Sean St Ledger has come to Dublin to be assessed by FAI medical staff, it’s expected that the Preston centre-half will also be relegated to the sidelines.