Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy has teamed up with the squad for Saturday’s World Cup qualifier against Cyprus after spending last night at his parents’ home in Barnsley where his father Charlie is seriously ill.
McCarthy had left assistant Ian Evans in temporary charge but rejoined the 22 man squad at Dublin airport this morning.
McCarthy confirmed his father was still in a "poorly" condition.
A maximum six points will be expected by the Republic against Cyprus and Andorra but assistant manager Ian Evans watched Cyprus play in a four-team international tournament which they hosted last month and warns they must not be underestimated.
Evans said: "They are confident in possession of the ball and play it neatly from the back but they can also play a high tempo and are sure to be fairly physical against us.
"We'll treat them with respect and see how the game pans out. I learned a few little bits about them but they had several changes of personnel in their tournament last month compared to the team that lost 4-0 at home to Holland in the World Cup game last October."