Cunningham picks up hamstring strain

Defender Kenny Cunningham is likely to miss Ireland’s pre-World Cup friendly against Hiroshima this Saturday after picking up a hamstring strain.

The Wimbledon player missed training in Saipan today and manager Mick McCarthy is unlikely to risk playing him in the friendly encounter.

However, Cunningham is expected to be fit for Ireland’s opening World Cup group game against Cameroon on Saturday week.

“Kenny has a bit of a hamstring strain and it is quite tender,” McCarthy said.

“It is only a strain and there will be no doubt about him for our opening game.”