Doyle still doubtful

In-form Reading striker Kevin Doyle remains a considerable doubt for the Republic of Ireland's European qualifier against Cyprus on Saturday but manager Steve Staunton has yet to rule him out.

The ankle injury which forced him out of training yesterday again sidelined him this morning but Staunton insists the problem could still ease in the coming days and allow the Wexford man play some part in Nicosia.

Doyle, who paddled in the sea as part of his recovery, will be given every opportunity to prove his fitness ahead of the weekend's game and Wednesday's home tie with the Czech Republic - a game Staunton feels the striker will definitely be ready for.

But should the 23-year-old miss the Nicosia match, Clinton Morrison, - rather than Alan Lee - is likely to partner captain Robbie Keane in attack.

The Crystal Palace striker was another to sit out yesterday's session but was put through his paces with the rest of the squad in Malahide prior to today's lunch-time flight to Cyprus.

Morrison's calf-muscle problem appears to be firmly behind him now and his participation this morning will come as some relief to Staunton who is already without eight key players for Saturday.

Goalkeeper Paddy Kenny - just recently recovered from a thigh strain - was another rested yesterday but Shay Given's replacement confirmed his availability by completing a full session.

Staunton confirmed he would not be adding any more players to his squad at this late stage, but amidst the litany of injuries bestowed on the squad, it is east to forget that the manager himself will be another absentee due to a Uefa touchline ban imposed after his dismissal in Stuttgart.

Taking his place will be assistant manager Kevin MacDonald and the former Aston Villa coach is ready to shout himself hoarse in a bid to get Staunton's campaign off and running.

Under Uefa rules, Staunton will not be allowed any contact with the team or member of his coaching staff from the moment Ireland enter the GSP Stadium.

"Every time I come away with Ireland it's great for me, and very important, but this time it's different, exciting, and I'm very much looking forward to it," said MacDonald. "Hopefully ... we will cover all eventualities that may occur.

"But I'll be kicking every ball exactly the same as I do whenever I'm in charge of any team. I've done it at club level and it will be the same with Ireland.

"I'm sure my experience at Villa will stand me in good stead, and if we get the right result then the right things will have happened," MacDonald added.