Key players pull out of Republic of Ireland squad for Spain friendly

Ireland manager Trapattoni in a fix after latest withdrawals for Spain friendly. (Getty Images)

A long list of Republic of Ireland first team players will be missing the game against Spain due to various reasons. The two teams are to play a friendly on Tuesday in New York.

Centre-back John O’Shea, striker Jonathan Walters and midfielders Wesley Hoolahan and Glenn Whelan are the latest casualties.

O’Shea has pulled out after the death of an uncle while Walters (knee) and Hoolahan (foot) have injuries and Whelan has been excused after a long season.

Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni was all praise for Norwich player Hoolahan.

“He was fantastic, as he was in the last game. He has a good personality, he’s creative, but he also pressed as well, which is very important,” said Trapattoni. I have said in the past that maybe we ignored him slightly, but at that moment, we had achieved qualification (for Euro 2012) and we were looking at a new group of players.

“Hoolahan is not old, but he’s 31 and at that time, we had Darron Gibson, Glenn Whelan, Keith Andrews and other players.It was a pity because he has showed us that he is fantastically creative and one of the best Irish players in this position.”

Asked if Hoolahan was now in contention to start when the qualifying campaign resumes in September, Trapattoni said: “Sure, yes.It depends on his form at that moment, but if he continues to play as he is at the moment, yes.”

Aiden McGeady and Shane Long were already missing from the squad as they are both are getting married in the coming weeks. Stoke City player Marc Wilson will also miss the match due to a leg operation. Defender Richard Dunne, 33, is looking to find a new club after being released by Aston Villa.

In addition, goalkeeper Keiren Westwood will not make the trip to the US because of a shoulder injury, so uncapped Wolves keeper Aaron McCarey has been called up to the squad for the game.