Carr drives Ireland deeper into crisis

Ireland manager Steve Staunton has suffered another injury blow ahead of his side’s impending Euro 2008 qualifying double header.

Already without Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given, midfielders Steven Reid of Blackburn and Sunderland’s Graham Kavanagh, as well as Black Cats striker Stephen Elliott, Newcastle right-back Stephen Carr has now withdrawn with a hamstring problem.

To add to Staunton’s woes, striker Kevin Doyle is a serious doubt for Saturday’s clash with Cyprus in Nicosia with an ankle injury sustained in Reading’s 1-0 win at West Ham on Sunday.

However, if Doyle does miss the Cypriot clash at the GSP Stadium, there is still a chance he could be fit for next Wednesday’s Lansdowne Road visit of the Czech Republic.

Staunton confirmed: “Stephen’s hamstring is not right so he has stayed back in Newcastle. As for Kevin, he didn’t train with the rest of the squad yesterday and is struggling for Saturday, but he should be all right for Wednesday.”

Sheffield United goalkeeper Paddy Kenny, who only returned to the Blades team for Saturday’s 2-1 win over Middlesbrough following a three-match lay-off with a thigh problem, took part in only half of the training session at Gannon Park as a precaution.

It was a similar story with Crystal Palace striker Clinton Morrison, who has a tightness in his calf, although both he and Kenny are expected to be fit to face Cyprus if called upon.

“We’ve had a few injuries and we will now assess everything on Friday and see where we go from there,” added Staunton.

Sheffield United midfielder Alan Quinn, who was only called up on Sunday, is another who has been forced to withdraw, following the sudden death of his mother.

Staunton and the entire squad have sent their condolences, with the Ireland boss adding: “I’ve spoken to Alan and he won’t be coming to Cyprus.

“He can come in on Sunday or Monday for the Czech game if he wants, but I’ve left it up to him. The sympathies of the Irish squad have been extended to him and his family on their sad loss.”

Another absentee for the game with the Cypriots is Charlton winger Andy Reid, although that is due to a pre-planned arrangement with Addicks manager Iain Dowie.

Reid has remained behind in London to undergo “a mini pre-season” after missing out over the summer due to injury, but he will be available to face the Czech Republic.

With Staunton’s resources stretched to the limit, uncapped Kevin Foley of Luton and Coventry’s Jay Tabb have been drafted in as replacements.

Both have been regulars at under-21 level, and were involved in the senior training camp in Portugal at the end of May ahead of the friendly defeat to Chile.

“I’ve got to give the young players a chance because they deserve it,” Staunton added.