Carr out through injury

Brian Kerr's squad to play Poland in a friendly next Wednesday has been hit by its first withdrawal within minutes of being announced.

Tottenham full-back Stephen Carr has just had an injection to ease a back injury and he will miss Sunday’s home date with champions-elect Arsenal and Ireland’s friendly next Wednesday against Poland.

White Hart Lane stand-in boss David Pleat told the Press Association: “Carr has had a back injection which makes him unavailable to play for the Republic.

“He wouldn’t be fit enough for the game as he needs to rest. We’re withdrawing him and they’ll be getting a call from us this afternoon.”