Ireland blow for Healy

The number 13 proved unlucky for Sunderland midfielder Colin Healy when he was forced to withdraw from the Ireland squad for tomorrow’s friendly clash with Canada.

Healy was hoping to win his 13th international cap in the game at Lansdowne Road, but instead was due back on Wearside today for treatment on a foot injury picked up in training.

And he was in good company as he joined team-mate Gary Breen on the casualty list after he was forced to withdraw from the squad last week with a knee problem picked up in the 0-0 draw with Coventry last weekend.

Manager Mick McCarthy now faces a race against time to get the pair fit in time for Saturday’s Division One trip to Crewe.