Aiden McGeady has been forced to withdraw from the Republic of Ireland squad to face San Marino at the Serravalle Stadium in Wednesday's Euro 2008 Group D qualifier.

The Celtic winger has picked up a knee injury and Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Staunton has called up Newcastle United's Alan O'Brien as a replacement.

Dublin-born O'Brien made his first Premiership start for Newcastle in their 2-2 draw against West Ham United at St James' Park on January 20th .