Sheffield United midfielder Alan Quinn is extremely unlikely to play any part in the Republic of Ireland's upcoming European double-header following the sudden death of his mother.

The 27-year-old was a late call-up to manager Steve Staunton's squad following the withdrawal of injured pair Steven Reid and Graham Kavanagh.

An FAI statement last night read: "Republic of Ireland team manager Stephen Staunton, the players, the backroom team and all the staff tonight sent their condolences to Alan Quinn on the sudden death of his mother."

If Quinn is unavailable then in-form Everton midfielder Lee Carsley could yet make his return to the international fold ahead of Saturday's game in Cyprus and the Czech Republic tie at home next week.

The Republic of Ireland squad have gathered in Dublin and train in Malahide later this afternoon ahead of tomorrow's flight to Larnaca.