John Aldridge is to make a sentimental return to the scene of some of his biggest triumphs when he lines out for an international selection against a Republic of Ireland XI at Lansdowne Road on Sunday.

Aldridge, who ended his playing career with Tranmere earlier this month, is included in a list of celebrated players who are travelling to Dublin for Paul McGrath's testimonial game.

Jack Charlton, who will manage the international selection, is certain to be spoiled for choice in attack. In addition to Aldridge, he can also use Andy Cole, Stan Collymore and Dean Saunders at some stage of the game.

It is a measure of the Irish public's affection for McGrath, that only 7,000 terrace tickets remain unsold. These are expected to go over the next 24 hours, thus ensuring a full house at Lansdowne for the Republic of Ireland's most capped player.

With Charlton Athletic and Sunderland winning through to the First Division promotional play offs, Mick McCarthy must now plan without Mark Kinsella and Niall Quinn for the game against Mexico. Additionally, he must replace the Blackburn defender, Jeff Kenna who is getting married next week.

Nor do his problems end there, for Kenny Cunningham is still troubled by a groin injury and may now struggle to make the deadline for the game. McCarthy is to review his depleted squad early next week.

Dennis Bergkamp is winning his FA Cup Final fitness battle - but Arsene Wenger will not put the Dutchman in the Arsenal team to face Newcastle at Wembley unless Bergkamp himself says he is 100 per cent fit.

Bergkamp's recovery has been quicker than expected and yesterday he came through his first full training session in a fortnight unscathed. "I was still thinking about the injury in training, but I'm happy that I've reached this stage and still have a chance," said Bergkamp. "That's a good sign, but tomorrow will be a more difficult test, sprinting and shooting, and after that we'll decide.

"The FA Cup final is the big one and I want to play in it. But I won't unless I'm 100 per cent, because it would be too much of a risk if I did - I'd be thinking about it and not concentrating.

"I'm still not sure. I'll have to wait and see if there's a reaction, even when I get out of bed on Saturday and stand on it."