Gary Breen, the Coventry City defender, is out of the Republic of Ireland squad to meet Northern Ireland in Wednesday's B international game at Tolka Park. Breen, who was expected to captain the team, withdrew yesterday because of an injury sustained in Saturday's 1-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday at Highfield Road.

He is the second senior international to pull out of the squad. Last week, Keith O'Neill withdrew just hours after the squad had been announced, because of an injury sustained in training.

Ironically, Stephen Baker of Middlesbrough, the man chosen to replace O'Neill, is also out. News of his withdrawal, because of a leg injury, was conveyed to Mick McCarthy yesterday, shortly before the players began to assemble in Dublin.

Also out are Steve Carr, the Tottenham full back, and Newcastle's Jim Crawford who has a calf strain. It means that McCarthy's squad is now reduced to 16 players and a decision on whether to call in replacements, will be taken today.