Updated 3.51pm
HE WAS UNVEILED with much fanfare this week after he at last secured his Irish passport.
But Anthony Pilkington’s planned Ireland debut against Poland at the Aviva Stadium on Wednesday will not now happen, the FAI have confirmed.
The Norwich midfielder limped off injured at Loftus Road during the Canaries’ Premier League draw with QPR earlier. Afterwards, Chris Hughton confirmed Pillkington would be withdrawn from the squad.
And the FAI say Aiden McGeady will not travel to Dublin either.
“Aiden McGeady is suffering from an ongoing ankle injury,” a statement reads. while Anthony Pilkington pulled his hamstring in the first half of Norwich’s game against QPR today. Both players will remain at their clubs for treatment. An update will be issued later today should the manager decide to call in any replacements.”
Blackburn-born Pilkington, whose paternal grandmother is from Dublin, made one appearance for Ireland at U21 level in 2008. With two crucial World Cup qualifiers weeks away, he had been handed the chance by Giovanni Trapattoni to force his way into the Italian’s plans.
