There is further misery today for beleaguered Republic of Ireland manager Steve Staunton with news that another five of his squad are ruled out of tomorrow's qualifier with the Czech Republic because of injury.
Goalkeeper Paddy Kenny, defender Andy O'Brien, midfielders Stephen Ireland and Aiden McGeady and striker Kevin Doyle all miss the game and four of the five have already returned to their clubs.
Only O'Brien - whose ankle is too swollen to play following a knock in the defeat to Cyprus - has stayed in Dublin but Staunton says the Portsmouth man has no chance of proving his fitness.
Kenny and Ireland, both of whom failed to train yesterday, had scans on hamstring injuries, the damning results of which Staunton received this morning.
While Staunton appeared resigned to losing the pair when speaking in Malahide yesterday he was more upbeat on Doyle's chances. But the striker, despite pleasing the manager during that session, failed to shake off his ankle injury and his loss is a particular blow.
Then there's McGeady who, according to Staunton, injured his ankle in a "freak accident" during training.
"It is all just typical of what has been happening at the moment," Staunton said today.
"I'm not making excuses but I don't think there are many countries that could cope with an injury crisis like this. We'll more than likely have a full squad for San Marino next month, that's the way my luck has gone. But I ask the public to stand by us, we will get it right."
As a consequence of those injuries - twinned with the earlier losses of Shay Given, Steven Reid, Graham Kavanagh and Stephen Elliott, to name but a few - Staunton has finally decided to call upon in-form Everton midfielder Lee Carsley.
The 32-year-old joined up with the squad this morning and was put through his paces at Lansdowne Road.
Carsley - capped 29 time - has spent the last two-and-a-half years in retirement after choosing to focus on club football. But recently he has contacted Staunton expressing a wish to be considered for future internationals.
Staunton overlooked the player when naming his initial squad for this double-header but following the injury crisis he has been forced into a dramatic about turn.
"Lee is an experienced pro," says Staunton. "He's been fine and is always committed to whatever you ask of him."
Staunton also confirmed his back-four for tomorrow's game. Steve Finnan and Stephen Kelly will play in the corners while West Brom youngster Paul McShane will win his first cap when he partners John O'Shea at centre back.
The manager has faced heavy criticism following Saturday's shambolic defeat to Cyprus but is adamant that no matter what the outcome of tomorrow's match, he will remain on as manager.
"I'm going to be here no matter what happens," he stated. "I'll still be here next month. We are what we are, but I'm proud to be Irish. I know we'll get a great reception and we'll be out to show what we can do."
He says both he and his players will take criticism "on the chin" but believes the disappointment of the weekend is now behind them.
"The mood is very, very good," Staunton says. "The players know what's been going on (media criticism) but they're lucky that they can go out tomorrow and put it right. I can't. I want to see passion for the green jersey, and for them to do their utmost."
