Givens eager to talk with O'Brien

Republic of Ireland caretaker manager Don Givens has been unable to contact Andy O'Brien since the defender decided to retire from international football.

In his absence Givens has called up Ipswich Town's Alex Bruce ahead of the friendly against Brazil on Wednesday, but he would clearly like the chance to talk to the Bolton Wanderers player to clarify the events surrounding his withdrawal.

At 28, O'Brien is comparatively young to end his international career and it was a decision that took Givens and the association by surprise. The defender apparently formally confirmed his retirement by post but the FAI are yet to receive the letter.

Though it has been a year since O'Brien's last appearance for his country, his loss now is felt all the more given the retirements of defenders Steve Finnan and Stephen Carr.

O'Brien's Bolton team-mate and namesake, Joey, withdrew from the squad on Friday after pulling a hamstring against Fulham last week.

On the pitch, captain Robbie Keane took part in training today after resting an ankle knock sustained playing for Spurs against Manchester United at the weekend.

Midfielder Steven Reid was given time to recuperate from a knee injury in Blackburn and is probably the biggest worry at the moment.  Givens will wait until tomorrow before deciding whether to replace the Rovers man or not.

Winger Damien Duff and goalkeeper Shay Given did not train today either, after taking full part in Newcastle United's 1-1 draw with Middlesbrough yesterday.

Irish fans will be disappointed to hear that the AC Milan duo of Kaka and Alexandre Pato have pulled out of the Brazil squad.

Kaka, the world player of the year, is nursing a knee injury, while Pato, his understudy at the Italian club has taken a knock to his ankle.

Both injuries were sustained in the 1-0 away win over Fiorentina at the weekend, in which Pato scored the decisive goal with 13 minutes remaining before having to leave the field injured.

Manager Dunga has drafted Werder Bremen midfielder Diego and Besiktas forward Bobo into his squad as replacements for the Milan duo.

Manager Dunga yesterday named Werder Bremen defender Naldo as a replacement for injured Bayern Munich centre-back Lucio.

Brazil squad to face Republic of Ireland: Julio Cesar (Inter Milan), Renan (Internacional), Leonardo Moura (Flamengo), Rafinha (Schalke), Marcelo (Real Madrid), Breno (Bayern Munich), Naldo (Werder Bremen), Luisao (Benfica), Alex  (Chelsea), Gilberto (Arsenal), Hernanes (Sao Paulo), Josue (Wolfsburg), Lucas (Liverpool), Richarlyson (Sao Paulo), Anderson (Man Utd), Diego (Werder Bremen), Thiago Neves (Fluminense), Julio Baptista (Real Madrid), Robinho (Real Madrid), Luis Fabiano (Sevilla), Rafael Sobis (Real Betis), Bobo (Besiktas).