Gibson out of Skopje trip

Darron Gibson is out of the Republic of Ireland's trip to Macedonia for Saturday's Euro 2012 qualifier.

The Manchester United midfielder, who hasn't played since the Champions League, semi final second leg against Schalke on May 4, texted manager Giovanni Trapattoni that he is suffering from a groin injury.

Gibson is the latest Republic player to cry off international duty citing injury, with Wigan midfielder James McCarthy, Birmingham’s Keith Fahey and Stoke trio Marc Wilson, Jon Walters and Glenn Whelan having cried off last week's Carling Nations Cup matches.

Meanwhile Preston centre-half Sean St Ledger has linked up with the squad ahead of departure for Skopje, but is not expected to be fit for Saturday.

Keith Fahey (swollen knee) is currently another doubt but there are growing indications that Paul McShane could be in line for a recall at right-back having impressed the manager in the 1-0 Cup win over Scotland.