Depleted Ireland arrive Stateside

Martin O’Neill accepts the Irish squad which flew into New York last night is a depleted one and, should any more players fall victim to injury or illness, he is prepared to call up reinforcements.

When Robbie Keane joins up with his colleagues in the Big Apple, it will bring the panel up to 21 — and it could become 22 if Jon Walters, who had to be put on a drip in hospital on Tuesday, recovers from an infectious virus he picked up on a family break.

“He’s feeling much, much better,” said O’Neill. “I think he’s passed it on to his daughter and I think the doctor said there’s some sort of incubation period. But he’s desperate to come out so there’s a decent chance he’ll join us.

“I think it might be too early for the Costa Rica game [on Saturday morning] but Portugal [on June 10] might be part of it.

“Same with Stephen Ward. He’s in Italy at this moment. I’ve just given him a couple of extra days. I think he’ll miss the Costa Rica game but, hopefully he could join us for the Portugal game.”

O’Neill reported that Damien Delaney was feeling “a bit of discomfort” in his ankle and so it was decided he should not travel.

“I know we’re losing players,” said O’Neill, “but I think for everyone’s sake, for the player and the club and for the country, it’s best to leave him. What we’ll do, considering that these lads have been mostly here from the start, is that they will take the opportunity now But if, for instance, after Costa Rica, there are a number of injuries, I’d seriously think about bringing people in.”