Carr Suffers Another Blow

Republic manager Steve Staunton: "Unfortunately Stephen pulled a thigh muscle, so he is to return to Newcastle".

Shay Given, who is also injured for the match, insists nothing less than nine points will do from the next three matches if the Republic of Ireland are to qualify for next summer's European Championship finals.

Manager Steve Staunton's side first play San Marino on Wednesday before the eagerly-anticipated double header at Croke Park late next month when Wales and Slovakia will be the visitors.

The Irish currently trailing the Group D leaders Germany and the Czech Republic by six points.

Shay Given: "Everybody is talking about the games in March, but the one on Wednesday is massive.

"We have to get the three points to pitch us nicely into those games at Croke Park, but we need nine points overall - nothing less will do.

"Obviously, we would like to have had a better start. We know we have had some poor results, but we can't turn the clock back, we have to look forward.

"If we win on Wednesday, and then those two games at Croke Park, you start adding up the points in your head.

"We still believe we can get to the finals. We're definitely in with a shout, so we have to be positive until we can't qualify."