Glenn Whelan will not play in tonight’s World Cup qualifier with Sweden. The Stoke City man had been named in manager Giovanni Trapattoni’s starting eleven despite carrying an ankle injury. It has now been confirmed that Whelan has been unable to shake off the injury and so will not start the game at the Friends Arena.

James McCarthy is expected to start in Whelan’s place, alongside Paul Green in the centre of Ireland’s midfield four. GIovanni Trapattoni had previously stated he has doubts about McCarthy's defensive capabilities.

Image: ©INPHO/Cathal Noonan