Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni has confirmed that Celtic defender Darren O'Dea will not take part in a game against a local team from Montecatini, the Italian district that hosts the country's Euro 2012 preparations.
The 25-year-old, who spent the season on loan at Leeds, missed Monday's training session with a slight thigh strain and will be rested for Tuesday's match.
"He has a little bit of pain," Trapattoni told reporters "He wished to make training but we advised him to stay quiet.
"It is no problem. He wants to do training but it is better that he rests, so tomorrow he will not play."
Hull City defender Paul McShane also missed the practice session because of an ankle problem, while Shay Given and John O'Shea trained separately from the rest of the team.
"Shay Given is alright for Wednesday's training," Trapattoni explained. "After tomorrow [Tuesday], John O'Shea will be 90% ready to play."
Looking ahead to Tuesday's game, Trapattoni noted that his biggest worry is to avoid more players getting injured before the Euros.
"It is a good selection," the 73-year-old said. "The coach is one of my former players.
"I advised them to keep calm because we do not need injuries. We need the 90 minutes and to enjoy it."
Ireland will kick off their Euro campaign against Spain before taking on Spain and Italy.
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Rank | Team | W/D/L | Pts |
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Cities & Stadiums
The Top 3 Teams of Previous Tournaments
Year | Winners | Runner-up | Third place |
---|---|---|---|
2008 | Spain | Germany | Russia / Turkey |
2004 | Greece | Portugal | Netherlands / Czech Republic |
2000 | France | Italy | Netherlands / Portugal |
1996 | Germany | Czech Republic | France / England |
1992 | Denmark | Germany | Netherlands / Sweden |
1988 | Netherlands | Soviet Union | Italy / West Germany |
1984 | France | Spain | Denmark / Portugal |
1980 | West Germany | Belgium | Czechoslovakia |
1976 | Czechoslovakia | West Germany | Netherlands |
1972 | West Germany | Soviet Union | Belgium |
1968 | Italy | Yugoslavia | England |
1964 | Spain | Soviet Union | Hungary |
1960 | Soviet Union | Yugoslavia | Czechoslovakia |