Striker Jon Goodman will miss the remainder of Ireland's World Cup qualifying campaign. The Wimbledon forward has had an operation on damaged cruciate ligaments in his knee and is expected to be out of action until 1998.

It is a severe blow to both the player and Ireland manager, Mick McCarthy and it leaves the Republic desperately short of firepower going into the last four games of the qualifying group.

"It is a disappointment for myself and a blow for the team, but obviously it is a much bigger disappointment for Jon," said McCarthy.

"Jon was formerly in my plans and I thought he had done well in the game he played for us last season. It is a nasty injury and you can never put a timescale on the recovery, but I spoke to Jon and he is very disappointed."

Former Manchester City and Blackburn Rovers player Nicky Reid was confirmed by Sligo Rovers yesterday as the club's new player-manager.