John O’Shea likely to be in contention for Serbia clash

John O’Shea will join up with the Ireland squad this morning. having stayed in Sunderland on Monday to have treatment on a hamstring problem. However, he, Séamus Coleman and Jeff Hendrick are all believed to be in contention to start next Monday’s opening World Cup qualifier in Belgrade.

All three are likely to be rested for the game against Oman, which will mark the end of Robbie Keane’s remarkable international career.

The striker sat out most of the squad’s training session yesterday along with Shane Long, as the pair “nursed minor knocks”, but he was adamant that he will be fit to take part in what will be his 146th game in an Ireland shirt.

Daryl Murphy is expected to train with the squad today, having spent yesterday completing his move to Newcastle United, while Keiren Westwood was delayed by a family commitment, but he too is expected to be in Dublin today.

For Martin O’Neill, the biggest concern looks to be James McCarthy who, having played no part in Everton’s win at the weekend, spent much of yesterday having the seriousness of his groin strain assessed.

Ronald Koeman said that the problem might require surgery, although he did not make it clear whether there was any great urgency about the matter, and the FAI’s doctors appear to have been keen to get a sense of that for themselves.

Transfer speculation

McCarthy has been the subject of transfer speculation since before the injury, after losing his place in the starting line up at Goodison, and the manager’s subsequent suggestion that his attempt to use him as cover for Séamus Coleman hadn’t really worked out.

The 25-year-old had been used as a wing back, but when the coach opted to switch to a flat back four, he replaced McCarthy with a more orthodox defender.

Koeman has, for what it’s worth, said that McCarthy will not be sold before tomorrow night’s transfer deadline, but Jeff Hendrick is set to be a Premier League player by then with Hull City having apparently made considerable progress in their bid to sign the Dubliner over the course of yesterday.

Personal terms

The club has, it seems, met Derby County’s €11.5 million asking price for the 24-year- old midfielder and there are reports that personal terms have been agreed, which could mean Hendrick having to leave the Ireland squad today in order to complete a medical at the club.

The player has been a target for Burnley over the last few weeks, but after having bid just €4 million or so for him, they had been slow to get up towards the sort of sum Derby were demanding with their subsequent bids and it appears their caginess may have cost them.

Hull, who were narrowly beaten by Manchester United at the weekend, have started the season desperately short of fit senior players.

And after losing their manager, Steve Bruce, over their lack of action in the transfer market, they appear to be making progress now, with a deal also agreed yesterday for Manchester United forward Will Keane, and talks in progress on another couple of prospective purchases.