Kelly withdraws from Ireland squad

Stephen Kelly has withdrawn from the Republic of Ireland squad for Friday’s World Cup qualifier against Sweden.

The Reading defender asked for permission not to join up with Giovanni Trapattoni’s 23-man party for family reasons.

A spokesman for the FAI said: “Stephen Kelly has withdrawn from the Ireland squad to face Sweden this Friday for family reasons.

“He has been in touch with the manager, who has given Stephen permission to stay at home on this occasion.”

The players were due to meet up at the Portmarnock base on Sunday before beginning preparations in Malahide on Monday morning.

Trapattoni had earlier been hit by a series of withdrawals through injury with Aiden McGeady, Sean St Ledger and Joey O’Brien all unfit for the Sweden game and the trip to Austria four days later.