Aiden McGeady, Sean St Ledger and Joey OÂ’Brien have all withdrawn from the Ireland squad for the World Cup qualifiers. Giovanni TrapattoniÂ’s men face a crucial double header against Sweden and Austria next month as the battle for second place in Group C enters its final stages. Jeff Hendrick had already withdrawn from the 29-man provisional squad announced by Trapattoni last Sunday. The loss of St Ledger, in particular, and OÂ’Brien poses a serious dilemma for the manager with Richard Dunne having played just two games for QPR as he attempts to reach full match fitness. Ciaran Clark and Darren OÂ’Dea are also in contention to partner John OÂ’Shea in central defence. Either Robbie Brady or James McClean would be likely to come in for McGeady.
A statement from the FAI read: “Aiden McGeady pulled out of training with Spartak Moscow this week with an ongoing knee injury, while Sean St Ledger is still working his way back to full fitness after injuring his knee in early August. “West Ham’s Joey O’Brien is also suffering from a knee injury and is undergoing treatment at his club.”
