McShane worry for Trap

Paul McShane is an injury doubt for the Republic of Ireland ahead of their crunch World Cup qualifier against Bulgaria.

The Hull full-back suffered an ankle injury in training yesterday and he did not take part in today’s light session at Arsenal’s London Colney training ground.

The Republic of Ireland coaches will delay any decision on McShane’s availability until tomorrow’s training session in Sofia.

McShane is competing with Sean St Ledger, who played against Nigeria last Friday, and John O’Shea for the right-back jersey.

Four players – Shay Given, Robbie Keane, Richard Dunne and Caleb Folan – sat out training yesterday but all are expected to be available at the weekend.

Giovanni Trapattoni’s men tackle Bulgaria in Sofia on Saturday knowing a win will take them above Italy to the top of Group Eight.