Mick McCarthy's problems for the last of the European championship warm-up games, against Mexico at Lansdowne Road, on Sunday week, continued to grow yesterday after he had received a fitness report on Denis Irwin.

Irwin is to have a scan of his knee today for suspected medial ligament damage after failing to appear for the second half of Manchester United's game against Leeds United at Old Trafford on Monday

"I spoke with the Manchester United club physiotherapist today about Denis's situation and he wasn't particularly optimistic," said McCarthy.

There are also fitness doubts about Jason McAteer. After marking his return from a broken bone in his leg last week the Ireland player, was again stretchered off during the game against Arsenal at Anfield on Wednesday.

It was later confirmed that the muscle had become detached from the bone and he was allowed home. As yet, Liverpool have not been in contact with the Ireland manager concerning this latest setback but McCarthy is apprehensive.

Mexico were beaten 1-0 (Marocchi 76) by Italian Serie A side Bologna in a pre-World Cup friendly in Italy last night.