Richard Dunne, Kevin Kilbane and James McCarthy will not meet up with the Republic of Ireland squad next week after declining to join the training camp in the build up to friendly games against Paraguay and Algeria.
Giovanni Trapattoni has confirmed veteran defenders Dunne and Kilbane are both still nursing injuries, while McCarthy is staying in Wigan at the behest of his club, who feel the youngster is too tired to partake after a long season.
Trapattoni confirmed the news after an Anthony Stokes goal gave his makeshift side a 1-0 win over the Ireland under-23s at Gannon Park this evening.
The Hibernian striker started the game on the right wing ahead of Liam Lawrence, whose late arrival prompted the manager to alter his line-up.
Stokes found the net in the 22nd minute after Cillian Sheridan’s cut-back left him with a simple tap in.
Lawrence came off the bench to hit the crossbar late on, while the best chance for Paul Doolin’s side fell to Vinny Faherty who volleyed wide following a Shaun Williams cross.
Afterwards, Trapattoni praised the performances of both Galway United’s Stephen O’Donnell and Billy Dennehy of Shamrock Rovers.
The absence of Dunne and Kilbane may mean a chance for young defenders Shane Duffy, Darren O'Dea or Marc Wilson to feature in the RDS games against Paraguay (May 25th) and Algeria (May 28th).
McCarthy's absence is more of blow with the Italian keen to see the young talent against World Cup opposition.