Steve Finnan's chances of playing for Ireland against Portugal on Saturday have increased after two Irish stars withdrew from their squad.
Leeds' defender Gary Kelly and Blackburn midfielder Lee Carsley have both had to pull out of the Irish squad because of injury and Finnan must have a good chance of making the starting line-up.
Finnan, who can play at right-back or in midfield, is one of the players who could help fill the void, especially as Kenny Cunningham is also out injured.
Manager Mick McCarthy has called up Middlesbrough defender Curtis Fleming and Stoke City midfielder Graham Kavanagh as replacements however, and Finnan faces an anxious wait to see if he will play.