Trap left short as St Ledger ruled out

Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni is facing a mounting defensive crisis ahead of the start of the World Cup 2014 qualifying campaign after Sean St Ledger was yesterday ruled out of next month’s trip to Kazakhstan.

St Ledger was forced off after just nine minutes of Leicester City’s friendly victory over Burton Albion on Wednesday night and the Championship side yesterday confirmed the 27-year-old had suffered a medial ligament strain.

A statement on the club’s website read: “The Republic of Ireland international suffered a medial ligament strain in the early stages of the game at the Pirelli Stadium and is expected to be sidelined for a period of six to eight weeks.’’