Carr out for Euro qualifiers

Full-back Stephen Carr has been ruled out of the Ireland’s forthcoming Euro 2008 qualifiers.

The Newcastle defender was named as part of manager Steve Staunton’s initial 25-man squad for the Group D clashes with Germany, on Saturday, and Cyprus four days later, but a hamstring injury means he will miss out.

Carr missed Sunday’s win over Everton, and injury problems have kept him out for the majority of Ireland’s qualifying campaign.

Bolton defender Andy O’Brien has been called up as cover but there are further concerns over the fitness of John O’Shea.

The Manchester United utility man suffered a dead leg during Saturday’s win over Wigan and will be monitored by the Irish medical team before a decision is made on his participation against the Germans.