Soccer: Birmingham midfielder Keith Fahey has withdrawn from the Republic of Ireland squad for the Euro 2012 qualifiers against Slovakia and Russia through injury.

Fahey, an unused substitute in his club's 2-2 npower Championship draw at Watford, has been ruled out with a groin problem.

Goalkeeper Shay Given suffered a back strain in Aston Villa's 0-0 derby draw with Wolves yesterday, but is expected to be fit for the clash with the Slovakians at the Aviva Stadium on Friday evening.

The 35-year-old is undergoing treatment at Villa as a precaution and will join up with his international team-mates on Tuesday.

Giovanni Trapattoni's men, who also face a tough trip to Moscow on Tuesday, September 6, currently lie joint top of Group B, level on 13 points with their next two opponents.