Soccer:Republic of Ireland international Keith Fahey has been given compassionate leave by Birmingham City. The midfielder will remain in his native Dublin for an indefinite period of time, the Championship club confirmed this afternoon.

The 29-year-old withdrew from the Republic squad to face Greece on Wednesday, and Birmingham confirmed he had returned to Ireland on their Twitter feed. “(Manager) Lee Clark has confirmed that Blues midfielder Keith Fahey has returned to Ireland for the time being on indefinite compassionate leave,” said the club.

Fahey has made seven appearances for Birmingham this season and was also in the Ireland side thumped 6-1 by Germany last month. Since joining in 2009 from St Patrick’s Athletic, Fahey has made 142 appearances for Birmingham.