Creggan’s James McClean could play up front for Republic in match away to Austria
REPUBLIC of Ireland’S James McClean has recovered from injury in time for this evening’s World Cup qualifier against Austria (kick off 5 pm).
McClean and John O’Shea both took part in full training in Dublin on Thursday before the squad travelled to Vienna on Friday.
Leeds midfielder Eunan O’Kane didn’t make the trip has returned to his club because of a groin problem.
Andy Boyle and Daryl Horgan from League of Ireland champions Dundalk are part of the 27-man travelling squad.
The Irish are currently level on points with Serbia, after their opening draw in Belgrade was followed by the wins over Georgia and Moldova.
McClean missed Tuesday’s session because of a back problem.
And the flying West Brom winger trained alone on Wednesday under the supervision of a fitness coach.
His return to full training on Thursday and Friday, alongside John O’Shea, who has recovered from his recent hamstring problems, is a major boost for Republic manager Martin O’Neill.
McClean hit two of the team’s goals in last month’s 3-1 winh over Moldova after Shane Long had scored Ireland’s opener.
The Creggan man could be an option for a striker’s role with Long missing.
“James has been improving greatly and if he gets through training on Friday, he will declare himself fit,” said O’Neill.
“If we could remain unbeaten over the Christmas period it would give us a boost.
“Any point away from home is still considered by the best sides as a good result.
“Having said that, I don’t know how you play for, or plan, for a draw. Our attitude is to try and go out on the front foot and go for it.
“Big players rise to the occasion. Occasions like this are what we are in the game for.”
With Newcastle striker Daryl Murphy, who netted the late equaliser against Serbia in September, also ruled out by injury, O’Neill has reduced forward cover.
Everton midfielder James McCarthy was ruled out of the Group D encounter on Monday because of a hamstring injury.
McCarthy has missed most of his club’s season because of injury but played in the Republic’s qualifier wins over Georgia and Moldova.
Stephen Ward, Stephen Quinn and Cyrus Christie will also miss the qualifier.
McCarthy, 25, played against Georgia and Moldova after recovering from groin surgery but then suffered a hamstring injury.
Defender Christie faces at least three months on the sidelines after breaking a bone in his foot in Derby’s win over Wolves on Saturday, while Burnley full-back Ward and Reading midfielder Quinn have also been ruled out of the contest by injury.
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