Breen out of Republic squad

Republic of Ireland manager Brian Kerr today headed out to Cyprus with a 21-man squad following the withdrawal of Sunderland centre-back Gary Breen.

The experienced 31-year-old, who has not made an appearance under Kerr for 11 months despite consistently being in the squads, is out with a calf strain sustained in the 1-1 draw at home to West Ham on Saturday.