Duffy to join Ireland squad

Everton defender Shane Duffy has been called up to the Republic of Ireland squad for this month's friendly against Czech Republic following an injury to Richard Dunne.

Dunne suffered a fractured clavicle during Aston Villa's Premier League defeat to Manchester City yesterday, the FAI announced today.

The 20-year-old Duffy will join up with Giovanni Trapattoni's squad for training on February 26, three days before the friendly with Czech Republic at the Aviva Stadium.

Duffy played for Northern Ireland at various levels before earning a call-up to the full squad under coach Nigel Worthington.

He did not play for the senior side however, and in February 2010 Duffy confirmed he was switching allegiances to the Republic of Ireland.

In May 2010, Duffy was rushed to hospital in Dublin after suffering an horrific injury during a Republic training game, rupturing his hepatic artery, but after undergoing life-saving surgery he was able to return to action later in the same year.