SOCCER: REPUBLIC OF IRELAND SQUAD: COVENTRY GOALKEEPER Keiren Westwood was last night ruled out of the Republic of Ireland's Euro 2012 qualifier in Macedonia on June 4th through injury.
Westwood, who played in the home victory over the Macedonians in March in place of the injured Shay Given, will also miss the Carling Nations Cup clashes with Northern Ireland and Scotland later this month.
Motherwell goalkeeper Darren Randolph and West Brom striker Simon Cox have been drafted into the party named by manager Giovanni Trapattoni on Wednesday.
A Football Association of Ireland spokesman said: “The Football Association of Ireland today confirmed that Keiren Westwood has been ruled out of the Republic of Ireland squad to face Northern Ireland, Scotland and Macedonia due to injury.”
In addition, Damien Duff has conceded defeat in his bid to overcome a long-standing Achilles problem.
Fulham manager Mark Hughes said: “Damien Duff has had an operation on his Achilles. The view is that he’ll be probably a six-week recovery and then he’ll be fit and well for next season.”
Meanwhile, Derby midfielder Paul Green has undergone knee surgery which could keep him out for the remainder of 2011.
The Republic of Ireland international ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee at the start of April and had an operation in London on Wednesday.
