Soccer: Injury gives McCarthy World Cup boost

Mick McCarthy has been given an unexpected World Cup boost after Portuguese star winger Sergio Conceicao was ruled out of next Saturday's qualifying clash at Lansdowne Road.

Conceicao, who scored in the 1-1 draw against the Republic at home last October, picked up a rib injury and is also certain to miss the Portuguese's next qualifier against Cyprus on the 6th of June.