McGeady injury McClean’s opportunity

The traditional perils of the early season international friendly are becoming all too familiar for Giovanni Trapattoni ahead of next Wednesday’s game against Wales in Cardiff.

Aiden McGeady yesterday become only the latest in the swelling number of players to withdraw from the Ireland squad, after the winger sustained a knee tendon injury in training with Spartak Moscow.

But of more concern for the Ireland manager will be whether or not the problem goes on to threaten McGeady’s availability for next month’s vital World Cup qualifiers at home to Sweden and away to Austria.