Ireland to assess crocked Dunne as McCarthy joins party

THE focus of attention will be divided between James McCarthy and Richard Dunne this morning as the Irish squad embark on their first training session in Malahide ahead of Saturday’s European Championship qualifier against Macedonia.

Despite encouraging signs of recovery from a shoulder injury, the match readiness of Dunne remains Giovanni Trapattoni’s major concern, with both Shay Given and John O’Shea already ruled out of Ireland’s defence. It is expected that the Aston Villa defender will take little part in the initial training sessions as the Irish management team look to give him every opportunity to be fit for kick-off at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday.

Injury worries Leon Best and Keith Fahey will also be closely monitored while James McCarthy’s mere presence at Gannon Park will ensure the photographers will be kept busy as the Wigan man looks to bed into the Irish set-up once and for all.