Givens facing defensive crisis

Republic of Ireland caretaker manager Don Givens faces a defensive crisis ahead of his side’s final European Championship qualifying clash with Wales on Saturday.

Of the seven defenders announced in his initial squad a week ago, Givens has lost four through injury for the Group D encounter at the Millennium Stadium.

Richard Dunne, Stephen Kelly and Andy O’Brien have all withdrawn in the last 24 hours, joining Joey O’Brien on the sidelines after he pulled out last week.

Manchester City captain Dunne has a calf injury, Birmingham’s Kelly a knee ligament problem, while Bolton’s Andy O’Brien requires a nose operation tomorrow as he had recent trouble breathing.

To add to Givens’ woes, Sunderland’s Paul McShane pulled out of today’s training session at the Cwmbran Stadium early on as a precaution as he is nursing a kick to his calf sustained in the weekend draw with Newcastle.

Givens had looked to call up Ian Harte and Kevin Foley, but they have hip and ankle injuries respectively.

Celtic’s Darren O’Dea and Alex Bruce of Ipswich should join the squad tomorrow as replacements, along with goalkeeper Shay Given.

The Newcastle number one has not played since October 27 due to a groin injury, but is understood to have trained with the Magpies today, with Givens “optimistic” he will be fit to play.

Under-21 boss Givens, in charge following Steve Staunton’s recent departure due to the Republic’s sorry qualifying campaign, was not too despondent.

“It’s unfortunate what has happened this week,” said Givens.

“When I got to Sunday evening without a phone call I thought I was home and dry, but they are coming thick and fast now.

“They are all in one area of the team as well, which gives us a bit of a problem, but we will just have to deal with it.

“The boys here have already proved they can do it, so I don’t have fears for any of them.”

Givens also insists there is no problem with morale in the wake of Staunton’s exit and Ireland’s failure to qualify for a tournament for the third successive occasion.

“They are professionals,” maintained Givens.

“Obviously we are a few bodies short, but I don’t expect there to be a problem.

“I expect us to to be up, and once that national anthem goes on Saturday, they will know what it’s all about.”

Although the Republic’s hopes of playing in next summer’s finals in Switzerland and Austria disappeared long ago, Givens is adamant Saturday’s game is far from “meaningless”.

“We are obviously hoping to finish the campaign with a positive result,” added Givens.

“These players don’t want to be dwelling on a bad performance for three months before the next game.

“That’s what happens in international football. You can’t get it out of your system. You are stuck with it for months.

“But these boys don’t want it, and I don’t want it, so we will be giving it the best we can to get that third spot.

“So we have to have a bit of pride when we look at the group after this is over and not be cringing.”