Dunne expected to be fit for Italy clash

Republic of Ireland defender Richard Dunne sat out training this morning as he nursed a bruised ankle.

However, manager Giovanni Trapattoni is hopeful the Aston Villa star will be fit to take his place in the side for Saturday’s crucial World Cup Group Eight qualifier against Italy.

Dunne, 30, picked up the knock in a challenge with Manchester City midfielder Nigel de Jong in Monday night’s 1-1 Barclays Premier League draw.

But he is expected to return to training either tomorrow or on Friday.

Assistant manager Liam Brady said: “Richard has got a bruised ankle and that’s why he hasn’t trained this morning, but we fully expect him to be fit for the weekend.

“He will possibly join in tomorrow or the day after.”

On-loan Middlesbrough defender Sean St Ledger watched the latter part of this morning’s session from the dug-out with a sore thigh, but he was expected to rejoin the group this afternoon.

Midfielders Damien Duff, Steven Reid and Darron Gibson have already been ruled out of the game through injury, along with striker Caleb Folan.