O'Shea and Cunningham out against Norway

Defenders John O’Shea and Kenny Cunningham have left the Republic of Ireland squad ahead of tomorrow’s friendly international with Norway in Dublin.

Manchester United’s O’Shea and Birmingham’s Cunningham joined up with the squad after their teams’ respective Premiership matches at the weekend.

But O’Shea was carrying a knee injury while Cunningham had a groin problem, and both were allowed home by boss Brian Kerr – who yesterday called up Manchester City central defender Richard Dunne to his squad.