THERE is a doubt about Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Derek O'Connor ahead of their vital Under-20 World Youth Championship clash with the United States in Alor Setar tomorrow.

O'Connor has been confined to bed with a high temperature and Oxford's Paul Whelan stands by for a game that the Republic cannot afford to lose following their 2-1 Group C defeat by Ghana yesterday.

Manager Brian Kerr said: "There won't be many changes if any at all. They all did well against Ghana to merit another chance."