Republic of Ireland manger Giovanni Trapattoni has yet to learn whether Richard Dunne will be available for tonight's friendly against Poland. Dunne returned to Manchester late last night after his wife went into labour.

The 29-year-old Manchester City defender, who only joined up with the squad after Sunday's 2-2 Premier League draw with Hull, was named in the starting line-up yesterday afternoon but left the team hotel hours later to be with his wife.

A Football Association of Ireland statement released shortly before 1pm explained that Dunne remains in Manchester and a further update is not expected before 4pm this afternoon.

Should Dunne be ruled out, Trapattoni is likely to turn to Ipswich's Alex Bruce or Paul McShane, currently on loan at Hull from Sunderland.

McShane is a central defender by trade, but has played much of his recent football at both club and international level at right-back.