GREG CUNNINGHAM HAS been called up to the Ireland squad as manager Giovanni Trapattoni waits for news on Marc Wilson’s ankle injury.
Wilson was expected to start at left back against Sweden but is now a major doubt for Friday night’s World Cup qualifier.
The defender bruised his ankle during Stoke’s Premier League match at West Ham on Saturday but was fit enough to play through the pain and finish out the 1-0 win.
He is due to have a scan on the injury today and, although Trapattoni was optimistic about his prospects, he has nonetheless drafted in Bristol City’s Cunningham as extra defensive cover.
“We have a little bit of doubt about Wilson but if the scan is ok, I’m sure Marc will be ready with one day of rest,” Trapattoni explained.
Robbie Brady (tight groin) and Shane Long (rest) also sat out this morning’s session in Malahide but both are expected to return tomorrow, as is Richard Dunne who was given an extra day to recover following his 90 minutes for QPR on Saturday.
Captain Robbie Keane and Darren O’Dea are due to fly in and join the squad later today but James McCarthy will not arrive until tomorrow to allow time to sort out his proposed deadline-day transfer from Wigan to Everton.
“One more day for this decision is important for him, and also for us because he will come back happy after this situation,” Trapattoni said.
