James McClean.
Former Derry City winger James McClean has been ruled out of the Republic of Ireland’s opening European Championship 2016 qualifier in Georgia this weekend.
The 25-year-old Wigan Athletic midfielder has not regained full match-fitness after recovering from an ankle injury.
Manager Martin O’Neill had included the Creggan man in the Republic’s squad but he did not even make the bench for the Republic’s friendly win over Oman at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin last night.
However, Derry man Darron Gibson, who has not featured for Everton this season after recovering from a long-term injury, played 70 minutes last night, being withdrawn after picking up a yellow card.
Donegal’s Shay Given, who had previously announced his retirement from international football, played the first 45 minutes in goal, earning his 126th minute cap.
Ireland won the game with goals from Kevin Doyle in the 20th minute and Alex Pearce nine minutes from time.
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