Fahey blow for Republic

Birmingham midfielder Keith Fahey has withdrawn from the Republic of Ireland squad for the Euro 2012 qualifiers against Slovakia and Russia through injury.

Fahey, an unused substitute in his club’s 2-2 npower Championship draw at Watford, has been ruled out with a groin problem.

Goalkeeper Shay Given suffered a back strain in Aston Villa’s 0-0 derby draw with Wolves yesterday, but is expected to be fit for the clash with the Slovakians at the Aviva Stadium on Friday evening.

The 35-year-old is undergoing treatment at Villa as a precaution and will join up with his international team-mates on Tuesday.

Giovanni Trapattoni’s men, who also face a tough trip to Moscow on Tuesday, September 6, currently lie joint top of Group B, level on 13 points with their next two opponents.