Kennedy withdraws from World Cup

Mark Kennedy has withdrawn from the Ireland squad for the World Cup finals.

The Wolves winger, who underwent surgery on a groin injury earlier this season, has informed manager Mick McCarthy that he is not fit to travel with the squad when they leave for Japan on Friday.

Kennedy played in last night’s testimonial match for Niall Quinn, but suffered a reaction to the injury and that has forced him to pull out.

McCarthy will announce tonight who he will call up as a replacement but among the favourites is Millwall’s Stephen Reid.