Deisler ruled out of World Cup

Germany coach Rudi Voller has been dealt a hammer blow after Sebastian Deisler was ruled out of the World Cup finals.

The midfielder was stretchered off during the German's 6-2 warm-up victory over Austria in Leverkusen with a knee injury.

The Bayern Munich-bound star will not be part of Voller's plans after two examinations on the right knee revealed the extent of the damage.

Germany are Ireland's opponents in Group E, along with Cameroon and Saudi Arabia.