Soccer:Aiden McGeady and Keith Fahey have been ruled out of the Republic of Ireland's international friendly against Greece at the Aviva Stadium on Wednesday(7.45pm).
Spartak Moscow winger McGeady is struggling with an ankle injury, while Birmingham City midfielder Fahey has been ruled out with the flu.
Milwall’s Andy Keogh and Chelsea youngster Conor Clifford have been promoted from the standby list in their absence.
"McGeady isn’t fit," said Giovanni Trapattoni today. "He was injured in the last game. We are waiting to see what the situation is with some other players. Fahey has flu and has stayed at home.
"There are one or two other little situations, (Stephen) Ward is not 100 per cent, his knee is swollen but he says he will be ready. There are others the doctor is not sure about, (Darren) O’Dea and (John) O’Shea, but I think that tomorrow we will see that they are okay."
The Italian suggested Wednesday night could finally be the time for Norwich's Wes Hoolahan to prove himself to management after years in the wilderness.
"We look about to renew the team with young players like (James) McCarthy," said the manager. "We always follow him (Hoolahan) because he plays well in the team but our system at the moment we play two strikers.
"He is a serious player and he deserves this opportunity. I tried McCarthy behind the striker but now he is better in midfield and we choose two strikers because I think our teams needs this to score goals. But it's right to give him this opportunity. We can play the game with this s
Keogh comes into the squad having scored the winner against Derby County yesterday, in his first start for eight games.
With 15 minutes remaining, he decided the contest after Liam Feeney’s opener was cancelled out by a stunning strike from Derby’s 17-year-old Will Hughes.
Both he and Clifford (21) will join up with the squad tomorrow morning.
Dubliner Clifford, who has not made a senior appearance for Chelsea, has yet to capped for Ireland. He was, however, captained Chelsea youth sides and is highly thought of at Stamford Bridge.
Sunderland have confirmed Ireland winger James McClean’s decision not to wear a Remembrance Day poppy on his shirt was a personal one. The Derryman was included in the team which started yesterday’s 2-1 league defeat at Everton, but did not wear the same shirt as the rest of his team-mates.
The Black Cats have insisted the decision was his alone. A statement said: “As a club, SAFC wholeheartedly supports the Remembrance commemorations. It was James’ personal choice not to wear a shirt on this occasion.”
The 23-year-old’s decision sparked a flurry of Twitter activity, with some users condemning him and others coming out in support of his right to choose.
Republic of Ireland squad
Goalkeepers: Keiren Westwood (Sunderland), David Forde (Millwall), Darren Randolph (Motherwell)
Defenders: Séamus Coleman (Everton), John O'Shea (Sunderland), Darren O'Dea (Toronto FC), Stephen Kelly (Fulham), Paul McShane (Hull City), Stephen Ward (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Ciaran Clark (Aston Villa)
Midfielders: Keith Andrews (Bolton Wanderers), James McCarthy (Wigan Athletic), Andy Keogh (Millwall), David Meyler (Sunderland), Glenn Whelan (Stoke City), James McClean (Sunderland), Robbie Brady (Manchester United), Wes Hoolahan (Norwich City), Conor Clifford (Chelsea)
Forwards: Kevin Doyle (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Simon Cox (Nottingham Forest), Jon Walters (Stoke City), Shane Long (West Bromwich Albion)
Standby list:Shane Duffy (Everton), Damien Delaney (Crystal Palace)
