Fahey out, but Given and McGeady boost Trap

KEITH FAHEY has been ruled out of the Republic of Ireland’s Euro 2012 double-header against Slovakia and Russia.

Fahey, an unused substitute in Birmingham’s 2-2 Championship draw at Watford yesterday, has a groin problem that requires surgery.

Birmingham boss Chris Hughton revealed: “Keith will have surgery on Tuesday. He has been pulled out of the Republic of Ireland squad to give him the international break to recover from the operation and start his rehab.’’

However, there was better news for Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni after it emerged goalkeeper Shay Given, who suffered a back strain in Aston Villa’s 0-0 derby draw with Wolves on Saturday, is expected to be fit for the clash with the Slovakians at the Aviva Stadium on Friday evening.

The 35-year-old is undergoing treatment at Villa as a precaution and will join up with his international teammates tomorrow.

Further good news on the injury front came yesterday when Aiden McGeady returned from a six-week injury lay-off when he came on as a late substitute as Spartak Moscow drew 2-2 with city rivals CSKA in the Russian Premier League.

The same game saw Russia suffer a major blow after national goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev suffered cruciate ligament damage after a collision with Spartak striker Welliton.

CSKA coach Leon Slutsky said that Akinfeev could be out for six months, meaning he will miss Ireland’s visit to Moscow tomorrow week and the game against Macedonia on Friday.

A livid Slutsky blasted Welliton, stating the striker should be “punished severely’’.

He said: “I want to express my sincere indignation at the attitude of Welliton. This is the second time Welliton has done this to our goalkeeper.”