Triple blow for Trap

Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni has seen his options hit ahead of next month’s key World Cup qualifiers against Sweden and Austria after three players, headed by Aiden McGeady, dropped out of his squad.

Winger McGeady was joined by defender Sean St Ledger, another regular in Trapattoni’s teams, and back-up midfielder Joey O’Brien in withdrawing from Trapattoni’s pool of players.