Staunton sweats on key duo

Republic of Ireland coach Steve Staunton has fears over the fitness of key players Damien Duff and Steven Reid ahead of the UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifiers against Cyprus and the Czech Republic.

Ins and outs
Staunton has named the pair in a 25-man squad already missing goalkeeper Shay Given and defender Ian Harte through injury for the double-header in October. "Damien Duff has a thigh strain but is confident he will be fit for the games," said Staunton, whose side lost their Group D opener 1-0 in Germany. "Steven Reid is a more serious worry, he hasn't kicked a ball in anger since the Germany game and he doesn't have much time, but I am confident Paddy Kenny will be fit in time." Kenny is set to make his competitive debut in Cyprus due to Given's injury, while Paul McShane has been promoted from the Under-21s and could win his first cap.

Republic of Ireland squad
Goalkeepers: Paddy Kenny (Sheffield United FC), Wayne Henderson (Brighton & Hove Albion FC), Nick Colgan (Barnsley FC).

Defenders: Andy O'Brien (Portsmouth FC), Richard Dunne (Manchester City FC), John O'Shea (Manchester United FC), Steve Finnan (Liverpool FC), Stephen Carr (Newcastle United FC), Sean St Ledger (Preston North End FC), Paul McShane (West Bromwich Albion FC).

Midfielders: Jonathan Douglas (Leeds United AFC), Steven Reid (Blackburn Rovers FC), Kevin Kilbane (Wigan Athletic FC), Aiden McGeady (Celtic FC), Stephen Ireland (Manchester City FC), Liam Miller (Sunderland AFC), Graham Kavanagh (Sunderland AFC), Andy Reid (Charlton Athletic FC), Damien Duff (Newcastle United FC), Alan O'Brien (Newcastle United FC).

Forwards: Stephen Elliott (Sunderland AFC), Alan Lee (Ipswich Town FC), Robbie Keane (Tottenham Hotspur FC), Kevin Doyle (Reading FC), Clinton Morrison (Crystal Palace FC).