Mick McCarthy will travel to Helsinki tonight with just 17 players after being forced to reshuffle his Republic of Ireland squad for Wednesday¿s friendly international with Finland.
The manager learned yesterday that seven of his original 25 squad members would miss the trip after picking up injuries over the weekend.
Stephen Carr tore a hamstring in Tottenham's 2-2 draw with Everton and is expected to be sidelined for six weeks. Clinton Morrison (groin), Richard Sadlier (hip), Steve Finnan (ankle) and Steven Reid (ankle) are the other players to cry off.
Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given and West Ham defender Gary Breen will bring the squad number to 19 when they meet up with the group in Helsinki after their clubs clash in the Premiership tonight.
A back injury has denied Sunderland defender Phil Babb a dramatic return to the international scene two years after being sent home in disgrace by manager Mick McCarthy.
Babb's clubmate Thomas Butler has been drafted into the squad from the under-21s. The midfielder recently committed himself to Sunderland by signing a new three year deal.
Babb was tipped for a return after Newcastle and Mancheater City defenders Andy O'Brien and Richard Dunne withdrew with respective shin and back injuries.
He was expelled from the Ireland squad ahead of their first 2002 World Cup qualifier against Holland in Amsterdam after he and fellow international Mark Kennedy damaged a car belonging to a Garda when on a night out in Dublin.
Jason McAteer, who will win his 50th cap on Wednesday, will captain the side although Matt Holland is widely tipped to succeed Roy Keane in that role on a long term basis.