John O'Shea is an injury concern for the Republic of Ireland ahead of next weekend's European qualifier against Germany at Croke Park.

The versatile Manchester United player suffered a dead leg in his club's 4-0 win over Wigan at Old Trafford today.

O'Shea, who started alongside Paul Scholes in midfield, picked up the injury in the first half.

Ireland boss Steve Staunton is now sweating on the Waterford man's fitness although the United player does have a full week to recuperate.

Staunton has already suggested O'Shea will partner Richard Dunne at centre back next Saturday as Paul McShane is suspended.

Dunne and McShane are the only two natural centre backs in Staunton's 25-man squad.

McShane will return for the Cyprus game four days later and because of this Staunton opted not to recall Bolton's Andy O'Brien to the squad as cover.

When announcing his squad this week, the manager was pressed about who would deputise should either O'Shea or Dunne need replacing against Germany.

He said: "We'll see what bench we have. We have plenty of defenders, lads who can play at centre back."

Asked whom he was referring to in particular, he said: "Joey O'Brien has played there before . . . at under age level."

O'Brien - a clubmate of namesake Andy - is primarily a full back and has only recently returned to action following a 16-month spell out injured.

The 21-year-old Dubliner has not played for his country since making his debut against Sweden in March 2006.