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Fulham defender
Steve Finnan |
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Fulham defender Steve Finnan is expected to link up with the Republic of Ireland's European Championship squad today after there had been earlier indications that he would miss the forthcoming games against Georgia and Albania.
Although a rib injury kept him out of Fulham's defeat by Manchester United on Saturday, the full-back still has not abandoned hope of making a contribution to the European programme.
Acknowledging that the player was still under treatment for an injury sustained 10 days ago, Brian Kerr, the Republic of Ireland manager, said that no decision on Finnan's availability would be taken for at least another 24 hours.
"He feels he has a slim chance of recovering in time and, in that situation, I've invited him to join the squad tomorrow," said Kerr yesterday.
A fully fit Finnan would help to ease the problems of the Ireland manager who learned at the weekend that John O'Shea, the emerging Manchester United defender, could be doubtful for the game against Georgia at Tbilisi on Saturday.