Carr calls time on Ireland career

Republic of Ireland defender Stephen Carr has announced his retirement from international football.

Second retirement
The Newcastle United FC right-back, who earned 44 caps, had quit the Ireland team earlier in his career only to return after an 18-month break. However, the 31-year-old feels the time is now right for his country to look to the future.

'Honoured'
"I feel honoured to have represented the Republic of Ireland on 44 occasions and have thoroughly enjoyed my international career," said Carr. "It's a chance now for the FAI [Football Association of Ireland] to rebuild for the future. There are many good young players that are coming out of Ireland, with the likes of Kevin Foley at Wolverhampton [Wanderers FC], who should get the opportunity to play."

Injury concerns
Ireland have a number of injury worries for Saturday's UEFA EURO 2008™ Group D game away to Wales. Caretaker manager Don Givens had already lost the services of Steven Reid and Joey O'Brien, but since the squad's arrival in Wales more players have pulled out with Richard Dunne, Stephen Kelly, Andy O'Brien and Jonathan Douglas all withdrawing. Sunderland AFC defender Ian Harte and Kevin Foley, who had been drafted in as back-up, are also injured and miss out.

Additions
The defensive duo of Alex Bruce and Darren O'Dea, together with midfielder Darren Potter, have been added to the group as cover for the match in Cardiff. Ireland sit third in the section but are out of the running for next summer's tournament after Germany and the Czech Republic secured their places during the last round of fixtures.