Republic of Ireland manager Steve Staunton's defensive options were further reduced yesterday as Steve Finnan was ruled out of Saturday's Euro 2008 Qualifying game against Slovakia in Bratislava.

The Liverpool full back will remain at his club to receive treatment for a knee injury he sustained against Derby last Saturday.

But he has not yet been ruled out of next Wednesday's game against the Czech Republic in Prague.

Including Wigan's Kevin Kilbane, who has played at left back for club and country this season, Staunton now has just six defenders left in his squad, among them the uncapped Kevin Foley of Wolves and Birmingham's Stephen Kelly (six caps).

The manager, though, insisted he was confident Paul McShane and John O'Shea would be fit for Saturday, despite both players taking little or no part in yesterday's training session in Malahide.

"John's fine, it's just a precaution," said Staunton. "He has a bruised knee, it's just a bit sore."

When asked about the possibility of adding a defender, or two, to his squad, Staunton said he was content with his current options.

"But Don (Givens, the under-21 manager) knows that all the 21s are on standby for us," he said.