Just 24 fours hours after being named in Mick McCarthy's preliminary squad for the forthcoming European Championship play-off against Turkey, Shay Given learned yesterday that his return to the Republic of Ireland team will have to wait until spring at the earliest.

Given discovered belatedly that a wrist injury sustained in Newcastle United's 2-0 win over Derby County in the Premiership game at St James's Park last Monday was, in fact, a micro fracture.

It's the latest disappointment in a troubled year for the goalkeeper who only recently returned to action after undergoing an operation on his knee at the end of last season.

"My wrist was a little sore after the game last Monday but I never thought it was serious as this," he said. "The lower part of my arm will be in a splint for a fortnight and after that I'm going to need at least another couple of weeks to get myself right again. Coming on top of the trouble I had with my knee it's all a bit of a nightmare." Given's unexpected withdrawal means that Dean Kiely is likely to keep his place as goalkeeping cover for Alan Kelly when McCarthy announces his revised squad of 22 after the weekend club programme in England.

Meanwhile, Sunderland central defender Paul Butler has been added to the squad. After a protracted effort to establish his eligibility to represent Ireland, Butler - born in Manchester 27 years ago - has finally acquired an Irish passport. He qualifies because of his marriage to an Irishwoman.

Peter Reid, Butler's manager at Sunderland, is among those who believe that, with luck, he can mature into a sound international player.

"He is a solid, capable individual who is committed to improving himself as a player," said Reid. "Given the chance I am sure that he will not let Ireland down."

Butler, ever present in Sunderland's team this season, cost £1 million when he moved from Bury last season and they stand to collect a £250,000 bonus if he is capped at senior level.

He was introduced to the Irish public at Bray last March when he played in the B team which beat the National League. His performance that evening was described as competent rather than convincing but McCarthy is nonetheless enthusiastic.

"Every manager welcomes the chance of broadening his options and with Paul's eligibility to play for us now established I thought it right to call him into the squad," he said.