Daryl Murphy ruled out as James McCarthy likely to miss Wales clash

Newcastle United striker Daryl Murphy has become the latest player to withdraw from the Republic of Ireland squad ahead of Friday's vital World Cup qualifier at home to Wales.

The striker – who scored his first goal away to Serbia in the opening game of the campaign – underwent a scan on a calf injury on Monday and has since been ruled out.

Murphy joins Newcastle teammates Ciaran Clark and Rob Elliot, as well as Wes Hoolahan, Harry Arter, Paul McShane, Liam Kelly and David McGoldrick, on the injured list.

Captain Seamus Coleman and Johnny Hayes both missed training on Tuesday morning as they nursed ankle problems while Shane Long also missed the session after playing for Southampton on Sunday.

James McCarthy underwent a separate session with fitness coach Dan Horan but he looks likely to lose his battle to regain fitness in time for Friday's game.

“James didn’t train today and I would say [he is] very doubtful,” assistant manager Roy Keane told reporters on Tuesday.

“I think he did a bit of running with Dan today but if he’s wasn’t to join in with the group tomorrow then it would be highly unlikely he'll be involved on Friday. It's too close to the game.

“We've had it before – we've had injuries and disappointment.

“Maybe not as long as this injury list, to be fair, but we've always rolled our sleeves up and had a good mentality to the group – no excuses and just get on with it.”

Republic of Ireland Squad:

Goalkeepers: Darren Randolph, Keiren Westwood, Colin Doyle

Defenders: Seamus Coleman, Cyrus Christie, Richard Keogh, Alex Pearce, John O'Shea, Andy Boyle, John Egan, Stephen Ward
 

Midfielders: Aiden McGeady, Glenn Whelan, James McCarthy, Jeff Hendrick, Robbie Brady, Conor Hourihane, David Meyler, Eunan O'Kane, James McClean, Jonathan Hayes, Daryl Horgan, Callum O'Dowda
 

Forwards: Jonathan Walters, Shane Long, Kevin Doyle