Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni says that he still hasn’t given up hope of Richard Dunne being fit to play for next month’s World Cup qualifiers against Germany and the Faroe Islands.
Dunne has been left out of the 23-man squad for the two games as he continues his recovery from a groin injury.
Trap has placed the Aston Villa man on stand-by incase he makes a quicker-than-expected return.
But the Ireland boss admits that it will take a miracle for the 33-year-old to the available.
As expected, Keith Andrews and Keith Fahey both return after suspension and injury respectively.
But there’s no place for Darron Gibson, with Trapattoni admitting that the Everton midfielder is still disappointed with his lack of game time at the European Championships.