Ireland have been dealt a triple blow for Friday's opening Euro 2012 qualifier with Armenia. Keith Andrews, Damien Duff and Keith Treacy have all been ruled out of the squad with injury.

Andrews has been forced to pull out with a groin strain while Fulham's Damien Duff has withdrawn due to a calf injury he picked up in his side's 2-2 draw with Blackpool on Saturday.

Treacy is also suffering with a groin problem and despite retuning to Preston for treatment, he is not expected to recover quick enough to be in contention for the home clash against Andorra.

There is some good news though as 31-year-old Duff is being assessed by the medical team at Craven Cottage and could be fit for the home game against Andorra next Tuesday.

The injuries leave boss Giovanni Trapattoni with a selection headache ahead of Friday's vital game. Kevin Kilbane may be pushed forward from left-back while either Derby's Paul Green or Manchester United's Darron Gibson should slot into midfield.