Four withdraw from squad for Dutch clash

Republic of Ireland manager Steve Staunton has suffered some blows to his squad ahead of next Wednesday’s match against the Netherlands.

Robbie Keane, Terry Dixon, Richard Dunne and Alan Lee have withdrawn from the squad due to injuries.

Staunton has called up Jonathan Douglas (Leeds United) and Daryl Murphy (Sunderland) into the squad.

Staunton said: “It’s far from ideal to lose so many of the squad through injury.

“As a result, we are without some of our leading players and with this being the final opportunity to test ourselves prior to the start of the european qualifying campaign, that’s very disappointing.

“From game to game you can never be sure who will be fit and available - but that’s international football.

“Other lads will get their chance to shine and the positives are that we have some very good, young and talented players who will benefit from the opportunity.”