More injury woe for Staunton

Beleaguered Republic of Ireland manager Steve Staunton today lost five more players to injury as his problems mounted.

Winger Aiden McGeady is the latest casualty after going over on his ankle during training at Lansdowne Road. Staunton describes the incident as “a freak accident”.

McGeady was taken to hospital for an x-ray and Staunton admitted the young Celtic star was “very doubtful” for Wednesday’s Euro 2008 qualifier with the Czech Republic.

Staunton also confirmed Sheffield United goalkeeper Paddy Kenny and Manchester City midfielder Stephen Ireland (both hamstring) had returned to their clubs along with Reading striker Kevin Doyle (ankle).

Portsmouth centre-back Andy O’Brien has remained with the squad but will not play due to a sore and swollen ankle.

With Richard Dunne suspended, Staunton is without three of the back five from Saturday’s humiliating 5-2 defeat to Cyprus in Nicosia on Saturday.

If McGeady is ruled out, Staunton has 14 players on the sidelines for the visit of the Czechs.

McGeady, Kenny, O’Brien, Ireland, Doyle and Dunne are joined by Shay Given, Joey O’Brien, Stephen Carr, Ian Harte, Steven Reid, Graham Kavanagh, Stephen Elliott and Liam Miller.

“Aiden’s injury is typical of what’s happening. That’s the luck at the moment,” said a frustrated Staunton.

“I’m not making excuses, but I don’t think many countries could cope with the amount of injuries we’ve had.

“Even at club level I’ve never known an injury crisis like this, but we have to get on with it and it’s a great opportunity for the likes of Paul McShane.”

West Brom centre-back McShane will make his debut in a back four that also includes Steve Finnan, John O’Shea and Birmingham’s Stephen Kelly, who only has two caps to his name.

Brighton’s Wayne Henderson looks set to get the nod for the number-one shirt ahead of Barnsley’s Nicky Colgan as Staunton turns to his third-choice goalkeeper.

Henderson has made just two appearances for Ireland, both as a substitute, while most recently he has played against the likes of Crewe, Yeovil and Chesterfield for a Brighton side 20th in League One.

Everton midfielder Lee Carsley is at least back in the fold after spending the last two and a half years in retirement.

Carsley’s return represents a major u-turn as Staunton last week said it would be “a kick in the teeth” for the squad if he called up the 32-year-old.

However, with the injury situation worsening, Staunton said: “Lee was always in the back of my mind.

“When we got the news on Stephen Ireland that confirmed it for me.”