MICK McCARTHY confirmed yesterday that no contact had been established with Terry Phelan, the Everton defender who failed to report to the Republic of Ireland team headquarters on Friday.

Phelan is reported to be recovering from injury but the Ireland manager said there had been no confirmation of this from either the player or Everton.

"The onus is still on the player to make contact with somebody here but even if he doesn't, I think we are adequately covered to deal with an emergency which may arise," said McCarthy.

"We have a number of players who are capable of improvising on the left flank of the defence but it would still be reassuring if the players contacted us."

John Goodman, the Wimbledon forward, was left out of yesterday's game at Lansdowne Road because he is suffering from influenza. The situation is not serious, however, and it is expected Goodman will be available to play if required on Wednesday.

Likewise, Watford's David Connolly, who took a knock in training during the week and who later confessed to being stressed out when he warmed up for yesterday's game, is likely to be given a full clearance for Wednesday's fixture.