O'Shea fitness boost for Republic

Sunderland defender John O'Shea handed Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni a boost on Tuesday when he was able to train with his team-mates.

The 30-year-old, who reported for duty carrying a knock, played a full part in the morning's session at Gannon Park, Malahide ahead of the squad's scheduled departure for Andorra.

O'Shea's fitness for the Group B qualifier on Friday night will be key with Richard Dunne suspended, although Trapattoni could yet opt to leave him at right-back and pair Sean St Ledger, who is available after being banned for last month's 0-0 draw in Russia, with Darren O'Dea in the middle.

Keeper Shay Given continued to nurse a minor wrist problem, but the Italian is confident the Aston Villa man will be fit.

However, a question mark still remains over striker Jon Walters, whose ankle problem continues to be assessed back at Stoke.