McCARTHY CALLS UP DONS DEFENDER

WIMBLEDON defender Kenny Cunningham has been brought in to the Republic of Ireland squad for the World Cup qualifying tie against Cyprus at Lansdowne Road on Saturday, as a replacement for the injured Richard Dunne.

The Manchester City defender was forced to pull out of the squad as a result of the calf strain he suffered during City's 4-0 defeat by Wimbledon at Maine Road on Saturday.

Cunningham has been missing for some time due to his groin injury and last played for his country against Andorra in March. He does, however, have 33 caps to his name and should be up to the task.

Southampton ace Rory Delap has also been forced out of the squad after picking up an injury in his side's win over Middlesbrough at the weekend.

Delap had to be substituted during the game with a foot injury which has forced his withdrawl from the squad.

Millwall midfielder Steven Reid has also joined the absentee list after pulling his hamstring.

Republic boss Mick McCarthy gathers his squad on Tuesday for the game, and could also be without Coventry City defender Gary Breen who limped out of The Sky Blues' 2-1 win at Gillingham.

McCarthy's side are already assured of a place in the play-offs for World Cup qualification but could secure automatic passage for Japan and South Korea if they get a better result than Portugal in the final Group Two games.