Leeds United and Everton yesterday backed down on their threat not to release their players named in Brian Kerr's squad for the under-20 World Cup in Nigeria next month.

With the possibility of sanctions from FIFA hanging over them if they failed to comply with the FAI's request, both clubs informed the FAI by fax yesterday evening that they would, after all, allow their players to travel.

The clubs, however, have sought further assurances in writing from the FAI concerning safety and health precautions in Africa's most populous country.

The Leeds players named in the squad of 17 last week, Stephen McPhail and Damien Lynch, had received their necessary injection some weeks ago along with the majority of the provisional squad of 35. Everton held their ground on the issue until Monday when they allowed Richard Dunne and Dean Delaney to be inoculated.

Ironically, Dunne is now a major injury doubt for the tournament as he aggravated a hamstring strain in Saturday's 2-0 defeat to Arsenal at Goodison Park.

Kerr last night expressed himself confident of also having both senior players, Damien Duff of Blackburn Rovers and Wolverhampton's Robbie Keane, available.

"Everton have said that Richard (Dunne) has a hamstring injury and could be out for up to six weeks, so that is a blow," said Kerr. "But having Damien Lynch is more than compensation as he can also play in central defence.

"It's good news to know we have the players. But we're not out of the woods yet. Six of the Nigeria-bound panel are involved in the squads for Macedonia, so we'll still have to keep our fingers crossed that they come through unscathed."