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.

Meanwhile, Stephen Hunt, who misses out on the latest squad through injury, has backed Robbie Keane to lead Ireland from the front once again. “You don’t have to look past his goalscoring record and his caps to know his value to the squad,” said the Wolves winger.

“I am sure one day he will be replaced but right now he has earned his place in the team. Although, I am sure Shane Long will have something to say about it, pushing Robbie and Kevin Doyle.

“Without a doubt Robbie has been the player in Ireland’s history in terms of goalscoring and the excitement he brought to the fans when he first came on the scene. And don’t forget when we needed him — like against France — he popped up to score.”

Hunt also believes that next season, Long, his former team-mate at Reading, will be playing Premier League football.

“Shane has kicked on and he has played well,” said Hunt. “When he first came over he had no pressure. He was coming on as substitute, he was doing well having an impact. For a year he did okay but wasn’t fulfilling his potential.

“Now, he has grown up and off the field he has had a baby. With Longy he has always been determined when he crosses the line. If he can continue the way he is going I am sure he will be in the Premier League next season. It would be nice for him to get promotion with Reading.”

Hunt also said that Ireland can’t afford to take anything for granted against the Macedonians.

“We have got to concentrate on this game and get the three points. The game (in Macedonia) on June 4 won’t be easy because it will be hot there and they are used to the temperature.”