Injured Andrews may open door for Hendrick

Keith Andrews has been ruled out of Ireland’s friendly against Poland, increasing the prospect of a debut call-up for midfielder Jeff Hendrick.

Andrews suffered a thigh strain during Bolton Wanderers’ scoreless draw at Crystal Palace on Saturday, forcing him to be substituted 14 minutes from time.

Giovanni Trapattoni will today name his squad for the game against Poland on February 6, with Derby County’s rising star Hendrick tipped for promotion from the U21 fold. Trapattoni watched the 20-year-old for the second successive week on Saturday when he attended Pride Park for the 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest.

While Hendrick is very much in the manager’s plans, it’s believed he also rates his Derby team-mate Richard Keogh.

The 26-year-old centre-back hasn’t been involved with the international set-up in seven years since captaining the Irish U21 side but, with Richard Dunne and Sean St Ledger currently sidelined through injuries, could be drafted in as defensive cover.

The injury-enforced absence of Andrews, tipped to capture the FAI player of the year at the annual awards on February 3, provides an opportunity for James McCarthy and Glenn Whelan to cement the central-midfield places for the crucial World Cup qualifier in Sweden in March 22.

Norwich City’s Anthony Pilkington is expected to secure his first call-up into a full squad today. Delays in the player obtaining his Irish passport were cited by Trapattoni for his failure to make the panel in November for the last workout against Greece. However, that issue appears to be resolved.

His clubmate, Wes Hoolahan, should retain his place following an impressive showing against the Greeks as an interval substitute while a third player from the Canaries, goalkeeper Mark Bunn, is seeking his first call-up.