25/08/01: Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy today suffered the latest blow to his World Cup hopes after Leeds left-back Ian Harte limped out of today's goalless draw at West Ham.
Harte was substituted in the 79th minute following a collision with Hammers' skipper Paulo di Canio which left the defender requiring nine stitches in an injury to his left ankle.
It means McCarthy is now without his first-choice back four for the vital World Cup qualifier against Holland in Dublin next Saturday.
Harte joins Gary Breen, Kenny Cunningham and Stephen Carr on the sidelines, leaving McCarthy with few defensive options for the crunch clash with the Dutch.
Fellow Irishman and Leeds boss David O'Leary confirmed Harte is out of the game as he said: "Ian has had about nine stitches in his ankle so will not be playing for Ireland next week."
Harte left Upton Park with the joint heavily strapped and was forced to limp his way back across the pitch to the team coach as O'Leary suffered the latest injury blow to his own ambitions. - PA