Defenders play in training

John O'Shea and Paul McShane look likely to play in Saturdays match in Bratislava against Slovakia. The Irish manager feared he might be without one or both but it has transpired that the players have come through a training session on Thursday.

Staunton didn't call any other defenders into the squad even though Steve Finnan stayed behind for more treatment. The Irish squad is down to its bare bones with defenders and should naything happen to a defender in the Slovakia clash we may see another player being called into the Senior Squad.