Israel U-21 v Rep of Ireland U-21: Don Givens lost another one of his established defenders yesterday with Blackburn's John Fitzgerald forced to withdraw from this afternoon's European Championship qualifier against Israel to a strained muscle in the top of his leg.

The centre-back's departure comes just three days after Tottenham's Stephen Kelly informed the Ireland manager that he would not be able to travel and it leaves Given to field an inexperienced defence for a game that the visitors must win if they are to get back into serious contention for qualification.

"The old back four are gone and we've got to look to the new one to come in and do a job for us," said Givens yesterday.

"I've seen Paul McShane play for Manchester United, though, and I certainly wouldn't have any qualms about picking him but there's going to be a bit of pressure on all of the defenders and the lads who are playing in front of them in midfield."

Having lost the last two qualifiers against Switzerland and France, Ireland currently have three points from three games, four behind Israel, who have played one game more, and six behind group leaders France who take on Switzerland this evening.

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND U-21: Deeney (Notts County); Foley (Luton Town), McStay (Leeds Utd), McShane (Manchester Utd), Paisley (Longford Town); Flood (Manchester City), Whelan (Sheffield Wednesday), Potter (Liverpool), McGeady (Celtic); Murphy (Waterford United), Tabb (Brentford).