IRELAND MANAGER GIOVANNI Trapattoni is facing another selection headache after the latest news that Sean St Ledger is a major doubt for next week’s World Cup qualifier.
Lansdowne Road hosts Germany this Friday and Joachim Loew’s star-studded side are seen as clear favourites to get a result against an Irish team which struggled to see off Kazakhstan last month.
In Richard Dunne, Ireland are already without one first choice central defender but St Ledger could now also be absent after suffering an injury on Saturday.
The 27-year-old lasted 63 minutes for Leicester City in their 2-0 win over Bristol City before being forced off the pitch with a hamstring problem.
St Ledger was set to start alongside Darren O’Dea at the heart of defence with John O’Shea at full-back, but Fulham’s Stephen Kelly could be asked to fill in on the right so O’Shea can move centrally.
Paul McShane and Stoke’s Marc Wilson are also possible options.
James McClean played all 90 minutes of Sunderland’s 3-0 defeat to champions Manchester City in the early kick-off but has complained of a sore groin and will be assessed tomorrow before arriving for international duty.
A brief FAI statement read: ”Sean St Ledger sustained a suspected hamstring injury today. At the moment it looks unlikely that he will be able to play in the Germany match but he will report for assessment.
“James McClean reported a very tight groin after his match today and will be scanned at his club on Monday.”
Trap may choose not to call up any further replacements as David Meyler and Robbie Brady have already been drafted in.
